With free agency less than two months away, the Cleveland Browns prioritize addressing the backup quarterback position, despite Joe Flacco’s playoff performance putting an end to any potential QB dispute.
Deshaun Watson’s recuperation from a November operation to fix a broken bone in his throwing shoulder has led to only six starts in his first two seasons with the organization. While the Browns fully expect Watson to begin the 2024 season healthy, the end of the season highlighted the importance of a viable No. 2 option behind center.
On Friday, January 19, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com recommended two options for Cleveland: reuniting with Flacco or reuniting with Jacoby Brissett, who started 11 games for the organization in 2022 when Watson was suspended from the NFL.
“Flacco, who turned 39 on Tuesday, saved the Browns’ season, and they’d consider bringing him back as Watson’s backup if he doesn’t get a chance to start somewhere. “Similarly, Flacco has made it clear that he loves it here and would be open to returning,” Cabot wrote. “If Jacoby Brissett, 31, is not given a chance to start somewhere, the Browns may be able to re-sign him. … He understands the system—though it will most certainly alter with a new coordinator—and is adored by his coaches and teammates, especially Watson.”
Brissett guided Cleveland to a 4-7 record two seasons ago, but the Browns were more competitive than that win-loss record indicates.
Cleveland lost four of the seven games by three scores or fewer, and its defense in 2023 is significantly superior to the one that faced Brissett the previous year. Brissett should be able to play with Cleveland’s current squad, despite likely offseason turnover.If the Browns have to rely on him for an extended period of time, he needs to hit 500 or better.
Brissett, like Flacco, is still interested in a starting role. Last season, he lost the starting role in training camp to Sam Howell, a second-year player with the Washington Commanders.
In 2023, Brissett appeared in three games and completed 78.3% of his throws, resulting in 224 yards and three touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. Brissett threw for 2,608 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 11 games for Cleveland in 2022.
Joe Flacco Recently Spoke About Possible Return to Browns
Flacco quickly became a fan favorite after guiding the Browns to a 4-1 record down the stretch. His style was a good fit for the offense, albeit that plan could alter, as Cabot mentioned Friday.
Nonetheless, given on his success and connection with the fan base, Flacco is likely Cleveland’s favorite quarterback over Brissett. However, Flacco’s performance down the line may provide him with the same opportunity to start this offseason as Brissett did after the 2022 season.
On the January 18 edition of the “Pardon My Take” podcast, Flacco discussed his NFL future.
“How lucky was I to be on a team that was ready to go on a run like that, and to be surrounded by such terrific players in the locker room? There was something unique about being there and how the locals treated me. “I felt a lot of love, and so did my family,” Flacco explained. “I’m open to [being] back in Cleveland, but I don’t want to rush to any decisions.”
