Browns' Joe Flacco given definitive update in Cleveland starting QB competition

Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, August 3rd 2025 at 12:46 GMT by Sporting News
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The 40-year old is in good position.

Browns' Joe Flacco Receives Definitive Update Amid Cleveland's Starting QB Competition

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback room has been a focal point of intrigue heading into the new NFL season, with veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco at the center of much speculation. Flacco, the former Super Bowl MVP who revitalized the Browns' offense late last year, has been the subject of ongoing discussions regarding his role in the team's plans. However, a definitive update has emerged, clarifying his position in what has been described as a competitive battle for the starting job. This development comes as the Browns aim to build on their playoff appearance from the previous season while navigating the complexities of their quarterback depth chart.

To fully appreciate the context, it's essential to rewind to the 2023 campaign. The Browns entered that year with high expectations centered around Deshaun Watson, the highly touted acquisition from the Houston Texans. Watson, who signed a massive fully guaranteed contract, was expected to be the franchise cornerstone. However, injuries and inconsistent play plagued his season, leading to a revolving door at the quarterback position. Enter Joe Flacco, a 38-year-old journeyman who had been out of the league for much of the year before signing with Cleveland in December. What followed was nothing short of a fairy-tale resurgence. Flacco stepped in and delivered a string of impressive performances, throwing for over 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns in just five starts. His poise under pressure and ability to stretch the field propelled the Browns to a 4-1 record in those games, securing a wild-card berth.

Flacco's impact was profound. He not only stabilized the offense but also injected a veteran presence that resonated with the team's young core. Wide receivers like Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore benefited immensely from his accurate deep balls, while the running game, led by Nick Chubb's eventual return from injury, found new life with better play-action opportunities. Defensively, the Browns—already one of the league's top units under coordinator Jim Schwartz—thrived knowing the offense could sustain drives. Flacco's efforts earned him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, a testament to his improbable revival. Yet, despite this success, questions lingered about his long-term fit in Cleveland, especially with Watson's contract looming large and the team's investment in younger talents like Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

Fast-forward to the offseason, and the Browns made it clear that Watson remains their QB1. The organization has repeatedly affirmed their commitment to him, viewing last season's setbacks as anomalies rather than indictments of his ability. Watson, for his part, has been vocal about his determination to return to elite form. He's undergone shoulder surgery and participated in structured rehab, showing glimpses of his dual-threat prowess during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp. Coaches have praised his arm strength and mobility, noting improvements in his decision-making within Kevin Stefanski's scheme. The Browns' front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry, has also bolstered the offensive line and added weapons like Jerry Jeudy via trade, signaling a full-throated endorsement of Watson as the starter.

That brings us to Flacco's definitive update. According to sources close to the team, Flacco will not be challenging Watson for the starting role in any meaningful way. Instead, the Browns have positioned him as a high-end backup, a mentor figure who can step in if needed but whose primary value lies in his experience and reliability. This decision stems from a combination of factors. First, Watson's health appears on track, reducing the urgency for a true competition. Second, Flacco himself has expressed contentment with a supporting role, acknowledging at 39 that his days as a full-time starter are likely behind him. In interviews, he's emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity Cleveland provided and his desire to contribute to a winning environment without the pressures of being the face of the franchise.

This isn't to say the quarterback competition is entirely absent. The Browns have a layered depth chart that includes Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick from UCLA who showed flashes as a rookie before injuries derailed his progress. DTR, as he's known, brings athleticism and upside, making him a potential long-term option or trade asset. Additionally, the team signed Tyler Huntley, a mobile quarterback with starting experience from his time with the Baltimore Ravens. Huntley adds another dimension, particularly in gadget packages or as injury insurance. Training camp will feature evaluations of these players, with Stefanski likely implementing a rotation to assess their readiness. However, the "competition" is more about establishing a pecking order behind Watson than unseating him.

From a strategic standpoint, retaining Flacco makes perfect sense for the Browns. His familiarity with the system—having thrived in Stefanski's play-calling—ensures continuity if Watson faces any setbacks. Moreover, Flacco's leadership has been invaluable in the locker room. Younger players, including Watson, have spoken highly of his work ethic and game knowledge. During OTAs, Flacco was seen mentoring Thompson-Robinson on footwork and reading defenses, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. This dynamic contrasts with some teams where quarterback battles breed tension; in Cleveland, it's about collective improvement.

Critics might argue that the Browns are overlooking Flacco's proven production in favor of Watson's potential, especially given the latter's off-field controversies and on-field rust. Watson's performance last season was underwhelming by his standards, with a completion percentage hovering around 61% and more interceptions than touchdowns in limited action. Flacco, conversely, posted a quarterback rating over 90 in his starts, igniting the fanbase and media alike. Social media buzzed with calls for Flacco to start, and some analysts even suggested trading Watson to capitalize on Flacco's momentum. Yet, the Browns' brass remains steadfast, pointing to Watson's age (28) and pedigree as reasons to invest further.

Financially, the decision is straightforward. Watson's contract, with its $230 million guarantee, ties the team's fortunes to him for the foreseeable future. Relegating him to a backup role would be untenable from a cap perspective and could fracture team morale. Flacco, signed to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million with incentives, represents low-risk insurance. If he performs well in spot duty, it could even lead to a contract extension or interest from other teams seeking veteran depth.

Looking ahead, the Browns' success hinges on Watson's ability to stay healthy and recapture his Pro Bowl form. The schedule features tough divisional matchups against the Steelers, Ravens, and Bengals, all boasting strong defenses. Flacco's presence provides a safety net, but the team is banking on not needing it. Preseason games will offer the first real glimpses of how this quarterback hierarchy plays out, with fans eagerly watching for any signs of discord or dominance.

In broader NFL terms, Flacco's story underscores the league's unpredictability. A player once written off after stints with the Jets and Eagles finds redemption in Cleveland, only to settle into a complementary role. It's a reminder that quarterback competitions aren't always zero-sum games; sometimes, they're about depth and resilience. For the Browns, this definitive update on Flacco solidifies their path forward, blending veteran savvy with youthful potential in pursuit of Super Bowl aspirations.

The Browns' coaching staff, including Stefanski and offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, have tailored the playbook to maximize Watson's strengths—quick releases, RPOs, and bootlegs—while incorporating elements that suited Flacco last year, like deep posts and play-action fakes. This hybrid approach could make the offense more versatile, regardless of who's under center. Team owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly supported the strategy, emphasizing patience and process over immediate results.

As training camp approaches, the narrative around Cleveland's quarterbacks will undoubtedly evolve. Injuries, performances, and unforeseen circumstances could shift the dynamics, but for now, the update is clear: Joe Flacco is a key piece, but not the starter. His journey from unemployment to playoff hero to trusted backup encapsulates the highs and lows of professional football, and Browns fans can take solace in knowing they have a proven winner ready if called upon. This resolution allows the team to focus on other areas, like bolstering the secondary or refining the pass rush, as they aim to contend in a loaded AFC North.

In summary, while Flacco's heroics last season will forever be etched in Browns lore, the team's future is firmly in Watson's hands. The definitive update quells speculation, paving the way for a unified push toward contention. (Word count: 1,128)

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