Cleveland Browns Interested in Extending Joe Flacco Before Free Agency
The Cleveland Browns are looking to secure veteran quarterback Joe Flacco with a contract extension before he hits the free agent market this offseason. Flacco’s impressive performance last season has garnered attention, earning him a spot as the Browns’ starter. From Week 13 onwards, Flacco led the NFL in passing yards, averaging 323.2 yards per game, and threw 13 touchdown passes.
At 39 years old, Flacco’s playing time is limited, but the Browns are keen on keeping him. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com suggests that Cleveland may attempt to extend Flacco’s contract to prevent him from becoming a free agent. However, Flacco is expected to explore his options and test the market.
Despite the Browns’ interest, some insiders believe that Flacco will move on. Zac Jackson of The Athletic predicts that Flacco will not return, especially with the return of Deshaun Watson. Watson’s health remains uncertain as he recovers from a significant shoulder injury. Since joining the Browns through a trade, Watson has only played in 12 games over two seasons.
If Flacco does not return, the Browns have other options to consider. Jacoby Brissett and Joshua Dobbs are familiar faces that the team could pursue, according to Cabot. The Browns have faced numerous challenges at the quarterback position, with Watson and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson both dealing with injuries. In total, the Browns started five different quarterbacks throughout the season.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry emphasized the importance of the backup quarterback position during a press conference. He stated that the team values the quarterback room and has consistently invested in backup quarterbacks over the past four seasons. Berry believes that having three quarterbacks on the roster is crucial and intends to continue this approach moving forward.
JOE FLACCO OPEN TO RETURNING TO BROWNS: “ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE”
In a surprising turn of events, former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco has expressed interest in staying with the Cleveland Browns. Despite the circumstances, Flacco hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of a return to Cleveland.
“I love it there, so definitely want to (come back),” Flacco told cleveland.com on February 8. He described his time with the Browns as “one of the best experiences of my life.”
Last season, Flacco was on the verge of retirement due to a lack of opportunities. However, he has no plans of stepping away from the game just yet. “I’m not riding off into any sunset,” Flacco stated. “It’s not my style. I don’t care how ugly it gets, I want to be playing until maybe it does get ugly. I want to be dragged off that field.”
While Flacco is determined to continue playing, he acknowledges that the decision may not be entirely up to him. “It took until week whatever for me to even be on a team this year,” he explained. “I understand that not all of those decisions are made by me. But I think I’m going to be back out there next year, and take it day by day.”
With the upcoming training camp, the Browns are hopeful that Flacco’s return could bring a new level of success to the team. As the offseason progresses, fans eagerly await the final decision on Flacco’s future with the Browns.
J.R. DeGroote, a dedicated sports reporter, covers the latest news on the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Lakers. Stay connected for more updates on Flacco’s potential return to Cleveland.
According to the Source heavy.com