With the Super Bowl, the 2023–34 NFL season has come to a close, and it has to be said that this season was one of the most roller-coaster-esque seasons in the recent past. As for the Cleveland Browns faithful, the year was filled with more highs than lows, and their standing after the regular season reflects the same.
The franchise was able to deal with key injuries and replace them effectively to ensure a minimal drop in form, and the biggest example of that was the introduction of Joe Flacco to the starting lineup. However, now that free agency draws closer, athletes like Flacco and Za’Darius Smith are open to exploring greener pastures. Let’s find out more.
Browns duo Joe Flacco and Za’Darius Smith to venture free agency
This season, the Cleveland Browns have benefited heavily from the presence of Joe Flacco and Za’Darius Smith in their respective positions. In fact, the veteran QB was also awarded the season’s Comeback Player of the Year award, signifying his impact on the league as a whole.
NEWS: Joe Flacco and Zadarius Smith will test free agency before making a decision about resigning with the #Browns.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) February 26, 2024
The Browns are interested in bringing back both of them.
(Via @MaryKayCabot) pic.twitter.com/ADi8YhcPIf
As the free agency window approaches, both players have decided to test the waters before agreeing to sign a retention clause in their contracts. According to Cleveland.com, the reason behind this could be to know their exact worth in the league and also to figure out if any other franchise is willing to shell out the big bucks for their services.
As for the Browns’ administration, they are interested in keeping the two around for a longer period, especially in the case of more injuries and sanctions on their players from the league.
Flacco and Za’Darius’ performance for Browns in 2023 season
The Cleveland Browns will be looking forward to bidding for both Za’Darius Smith and Joe Flacco. Still, they will also be running the risk of being outbid by other franchises who have underperformed this season. The New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Chargers, under the tutelage of Jim Harbaugh, would especially want veteran athletes like Flacco and Smith in their ranks.
Over the season, defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith managed 18 tackles and 5.5 sacks, which are impressive stats for players of his ilk. Joe Flacco, on the other hand, lit up the league with 1616 yards thrown and 13 passing touchdowns in only five games. These insane stats are the reason why any franchise would kill to have him in their squad.
What are your thoughts on Flacco and Za’Darius Smith trying to test the free agency window? Let us know in the comments below.
