Quarterback Joe Flacco’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns may not be done yet.
According to Tom Withers of the Associated Press, Browns general manager Andrew Berry revealed on Monday that he is considering re-signing the veteran quarterback who went 4-2 as a starter and powered Cleveland into the playoffs.
Berry declared during his season-ending press conference
“He played winning football for us.” I’d like to bring back all of our good players, but there are limits. I’m on both sides of the political spectrum, but I’d welcome Joe back.
Flacco came to Cleveland after starter Deshaun Watson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Prior to signing Flacco to right the ship, the Browns used rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson and journeyman P.J. Walker. Watson went 4-1 as the starting quarterback before being injured.
Berry also stated that Cleveland’s financial constraints may prevent Flacco from returning to the Browns in 2024, but that he is willing to discuss the prospect of his return solely as Watson’s backup. These issues stem from Watson’s $230 million contract.
Watson has only appeared in 12 games for the Browns in two seasons, compiling an 8-4 record. However, 11 of those games were missed due to his league-issued ban to begin the 2022 season.
He appeared in all six remaining games last season, but suffered a dislocated fracture of the glenoid in his right shoulder during the first half of the Week 10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Three days later, Watson underwent surgery to fix a broken bone in his throwing shoulder. In six games in 2023, he completed 105 passes on 171 attempts for 1,115 yards, seven touchdown passes, four interceptions, was sacked 17 times, and had an 84.3 quarterback rating. He also rushed 26 times for 142 yards and scored once.
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