GOOD NEWS: Browns complete there awaiting deal
Browns advised to reunite with a former starter as Deshaun Watson’s backup.
Joe Flacco’s postseason performance may have ended a genuine QB debate for the Cleveland Browns this summer, but addressing the backup quarterback position remains a high concern with free agency less than two months away.
Deshaun Watson is still recovering from November surgery to repair a fractured bone in his throwing shoulder, and he has only made 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 need of a viable No. 2 option behind center.
On Friday, January 19, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com proposed one of two options forward for Cleveland—a reunion with Flacco or
“Flacco, who turned 39 on Tuesday, rescued the Browns’ season, and they’d consider bringing him back as Watson’s backup if he doesn’t get a chance to start somewhere. Likewise, Flacco has stated that he enjoys his time here and would be willing to return,” 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 upheaval.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. He played second fiddle to second-year player Sam Howell for the Washington Commanders last season after losing the starting spot in training camp.
Brissett did not start any games in 2023, although he participated in three of them, completing 78.3% of his 23 total.
Flacco quickly became a fan favorite after guiding the Browns to a 4-1 record down the stretch. His approach was a good match for the offense, albeit that plan might alter, as Cabot mentioned Friday.
Nonetheless, given on his performance 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 poised 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.
Max Dible writes about the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, and Golden State Warriors for Heavy.com. Before joining Heavy, he was a reporter for West Hawaii Today and the news director for BigIslandNow.com and Pacific Media Group’s Big Island radio stations. More about Max Dible.
