Joe Flacco hints his time in Cleveland may not be done

Much has been made of the Cleveland Browns' quick turn away from Joe Flacco after losing in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs.  Kevin Stefanski thanked him but didn't advocate for his return at one of the final press gaggles of the season. Instead, he left that to Andrew Berry and the Browns' front […]

Ian Kayanja
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Jan 13, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) warms up before a 2024 AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Much has been made of the Cleveland Browns' quick turn away from Joe Flacco after losing in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs. 

Kevin Stefanski thanked him but didn't advocate for his return at one of the final press gaggles of the season. Instead, he left that to Andrew Berry and the Browns' front office to delineate. 

Well, recently, Flacco, on Pardon My Take, hinted that a return to Cleveland isn't out of the realm of possibility. 

"Cleveland was unbelievable," Flacco said. "I am open to being back in Cleveland. I don't want to rush any decisions either. I didn't know what the market for QB looked like last spring. I don't know what it will look like this spring. 

"I don't know if I am going to have options or if I am going to have zero options. I love Cleveland. I love the people – everything about it. I can’t say enough good things about how this organization is being run right now."

Flacco's return would mean that the Browns have Deshaun Watson insurance in case injuries pile up in an additional season. 

He is a proven veteran who played well in Stefanski's system. However, turnovers must be a concern. That is what doomed the Browns against the Houston Texans. 

Still, Flacco presents a solid second option for a team that has yet to enjoy a complete season of Watson. 2023 was the season of the backup quarterback. Given Flacco's love affair for the city, it is time the Browns start taking the backup quarterback slot seriously. 

Contract amount and negotiations will play a part in whether Flacco can return. At least for now, he remains open to the idea. The Browns should be as well. 

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