The Browns are bringing him back
Flacco stated that he would be happy to return to Cleveland for the 2024 season, but he would prefer to play starting quarterback elsewhere.
Quarterback Joe Flacco provided one of the most uplifting stories of the 2023 NFL season with the Cleveland Browns, earning the Comeback Player of the Year award to prove it. Now a free agent, the 39-year-old veteran’s future in the league remains uncertain.
In an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Flacco stated that he would be comfortable returning to Cleveland for the 2024 season, but would prefer to play as a starting quarterback. The quarterback played the final five games of the regular season, winning four of them and leading the team to the playoffs.
Free Agent QB @JoeFlacco told us his approach to free agency and the possibility of returning to Cleveland…
📻 https://t.co/kDbLh5b43s@Browns | #Browns | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/mpehxKIaX8
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) March 6, 2024
Flacco’s good times in Cleveland
“All things equal, Cleveland is definitely the place that I would feel the best about,” he said. “Now, you have to consider whether or not someone will give me a chance to play, as well as all of the other factors that go into it. But I can’t help but have a special feeling for Cleveland. Simply because of the few weeks I spent there and how wonderful the city was. I don’t necessarily want that to be the final decision, but I believe it will be considered if I have to make one.”
However, the main disadvantage of staying in Cleveland is that Flacco will not be a starter for the Browns. The reason for this is that the AFC North franchise has made a significant investment in Deshaun Watson. Watson was placed on season-ending injured reserve and underwent surgery after fracturing his throwing shoulder, but he is expected to be ready for the 2024 season.
Flacco, meanwhile, had 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while completing 60.3 percent of his throws with the Browns. In the playoff game against the Houston Texans, the University of Delaware graduate completed 34 of 46 passes for 307 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. “Obviously, if I go back to Cleveland, I have to get my head around the idea of playing behind Watson. I obviously want to play football. That is also an extremely important factor. Probably the most significant factor. I don’t believe you can make that decision unless you are confronted with difficult circumstances,” he concluded.