The general manager of the Browns wants…
BEREA, Ohio — General manager of the Cleveland Browns Andrew Berry stated that he would “absolutely love” to see quarterback Joe Flacco return and anticipates having running back Nick Chubb on the roster for the upcoming campaign.
“There are limitations, but I want to bring back all of our good players,” Berry stated on Monday.
Following starting quarterback Deshaun Watson’s season-ending right shoulder injury, 39-year-old Flacco signed with Cleveland on November 20. Flacco, the team’s fourth quarterback to open the season, helped the Browns to a four-game winning streak and the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs. In the opening round, the Browns suffered a 45-14 loss to the Houston Texans.
The Browns are hoping that Watson will be cleared to play after surgery on his throwing shoulder this spring, since Flacco will once again be a free agency. Berry, however, wouldn’t completely rule out the prospect of bringing Flacco back to support Watson.
Joe was our winning football player,” Berry remarked. “He performed admirably, stepping in and delivering a truly excellent performance. The backup quarterback position is actually among the top 30 on the team, in my opinion.”
But Berry also likened Flacco’s circumstances to quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s from the previous season. In 2022, Brissett made 11 starts for Cleveland when Watson was suspended for breaking the NFL’s personal conduct rules following allegations of inappropriate behavior and sexual assault by over two dozen women during massage sessions. After Watson reclaimed the #1 spot on the depth chart, Brissett signed with the Washington Commanders after finally leaving Cleveland.
Additionally, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson is returning for the Browns. This season, the fifth-round selection started three games in Watson’s absence due to injury.
“[Flacco] is a good quarterback,” stated Berry. “But it really depends … on the availability and the cost.”
Chubb, who sustained a season-ending left knee injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, was also commended by Berry. In late September, Chubb had surgery to repair the meniscus, medial capsule, and MCL. In November, he had another procedure to repair the ACL. Chubb had his injured knee rebuilt in 2015 after injuring his MCL, PCL, and LCL while playing for Georgia.
In his six seasons with the Browns, Chubb has gained 6,511 yards and 48 touchdowns via the air. However, he is not guaranteed any money.
