The Cleveland Browns faced a rollercoaster season with quarterback Deshaun Watson at the helm, only to be derailed by a season-ending injury. Hopes turned to young star Dorian Thompson-Robinson, but injury struck him as well. The team later decided to give a try to Joe Flacco, once dubbed an ‘elite quarterback’ by Donald Trump.
The Browns had nothing but turning to Flacco for the rest of the season to salvage their playoff aspirations. Despite initial skepticism, his performance brought a glimmer of hope to the struggling team. Now, as the season concludes, Browns’ general manager Andrew Berry expresses a desire to retain the signal-caller for the upcoming campaign.
Andrew Berry wants Joe Flacco rejoin the Browns
At 39 years old, Joe Flacco defied age-related skepticism by delivering a commendable performance for the Cleveland Browns. Andrew Berry expressed his eagerness for the QB’s potential return to the squad by praising his impactful contribution to the squad.
“Joe, he played winning football for us. He did a great job of coming in and really playing at a high level. We’d absolutely love to have Joe back … I believe that backup quarterback really is a top-30 position on the roster,” he said via ESPN.
Flacco joined the Browns’ squad on Nov. 20 due to Watson’s season-ending injury.
Berry drew parallels to the previous situation with Jacoby Brissett, who took the reins in 2022 during Watson’s suspension. However, Brissett eventually departed when Watson reclaimed the starting position.
Aware of the market demand for a QB of Flacco’s caliber, Berry acknowledged the signal-caller’s right to explore his options. If a potential contract for the signal-caller exceeds the team’s comfort zone for a backup QB, the GM remains pragmatic in his decision-making.
“[Flacco] is a good quarterback. But it really depends … on the availability and the cost.”
Despite Joe Flacco’s potential return, the Browns also have rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the mix. The young QB showcased promise by starting three games during Watson’s absence.
What will Joe Flacco’s status be after this season?
Joe Flacco’s future hangs in the balance as he approaches the end of his one-year contract with the Browns. He is scheduled to become a free agent again after this season. His one-year deal, valued at $2.5 million, includes a base salary of $1.8 million along with a $400,000 signing bonus.
Despite the modest financial terms, Flacco’s impact on the team was substantial. Going 4-1 as a starter, he played a pivotal role in securing a playoff spot for the Browns. He led the team to victory in four consecutive games, with impressive passing performances exceeding 300 yards in each.
However, the Browns’ fairy-tale run came to an abrupt end in the AFC wild card game against the Houston Texans. Despite Flacco’s 307 passing yards, his two poor interceptions returned for touchdowns marred the game. He recorded 1,616 yards as well as 13 touchdowns in five regular-season starts.
Now, questions arise over Joe Flacco’s future with the Browns. Will the franchise extend his contract by recognizing his valuable contributions? Or will he explore opportunities with other teams in free agency?
