The NFL is a cruel business. 

After leading the Cleveland Browns to the NFL playoffs for the third time since 1999, Joe Flacco was shown the door by Kevin Stefanski. 

"Yeah, he’s doing great in rehab," Stefanski said of Deshaun Watson. "I’m confident he’ll be ready to roll this spring. He’s chomping at the bit, but he’s doing everything he’s supposed to do when it comes to what the doctors are telling him as he rehabs through this. But, he’ll be ready to roll.”

To the question of if Watson was 100 percent going to be the quarterback for the 2024 season, Stefanski's answer was short and to the point. 

"Correct," he said. 

That was always the nature of the Browns' relationship with Flacco. He was a hired hand. A mercenary. A stop-gap measure for a Browns team reeling with injuries, looking to merely stay alive. 

Flacco was the jolt in the arm the Browns needed. He led Cleveland on a 4-1 run and a playoff appearance when the odds weren't in the team's favor. 

He was never going to be the long-term answer. That was always going to be Watson, even though there is an argument to be made for Flacco's fit in Stefanski's system as opposed to Watson. 

Everyone knew what the deal was. It is why, after the loss, Flacco's words held a finality to them that extended past the end of the season.

“I was so fortunate to become a part of this team,” Flacco said. “It’s a special group. I know a lot of people can say that, but it really is. To be given a chance to do this with those guys – I’m super grateful for it.”

Stefanski also didn't advocate for the Browns' front office to bring Flacco back, instead, he opted to say that was an Andrew Berry decision. 

“Yeah, I’d leave all those things up to, obviously, Andrew (Berry), in this offseason," Stefanski said. "I will say this about Joe. Joe was awesome for this football team. He did a great job, battled like crazy. I know he enjoyed it. We obviously wish yesterday’s outcome was different, but I have a ton of respect for Joe and what he was able to do.”

Cleveland will have another – but familiar – starter come spring. However, the story of Flacco will stay in the minds of those who were with him during an electric December.

“Flacco’s a great quarterback and great leader," Kareem Hunt said. 

Cleveland has an offseason to figure out the quarterback room – again.  

Browns GM Andrew Berry showed his true colors after disappointing loss to Texans

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