The Cleveland Browns navigated a rollercoaster season marked by unexpected injuries that, in turn, led to some surprising additions. This season, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco stepped in when quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending injury.
Following the team's playoff elimination, Browns general manager Andrew Berry addressed the possibility of Flacco's return for the 2024 season. Berry expressed his appreciation for Flacco during the end-of-season press conference.
"We'd absolutely love to have Joe back."
Andrew Berry, General Manager of the Cleveland Browns
With Watson expected to reclaim the starting position, Flacco could provide experience and depth as Watson’s backup.
Although the decision on Flacco’s return next season hinges on the team’s financial considerations, Berry emphasized his willingness to welcome Flacco back if feasible.
Flacco’s capability
Berry praised Flacco's ability to step in and lead the team amid significant challenges, saying, is a good quarterback."
The 39-year-old quarterback’s arrival boosted the Browns' offense to levels they have not witnessed since the days of Derek Anderson, evidenced by the Browns' 4-1 record where Flacco is a starter, during which they averaged over 30 points per game in three of his five starts.
Flacco threw for 300-plus passing yards in each of his last four regular-season outings, setting a Brown record for the longest streak in their history and becoming the second-oldest QB in NFL history to do so after Tom Brady.
"He played winning football for us," Berry said. "He did a great job of coming in and really playing at a high level that allowed us to go on a run at the end of the year.
Berry recounted the time when the team played better with Flacco, even during a wild-card loss against Houston. “Really pleased with what Joe did on the field, pleased with who he was as a teammate,” he continued.
Flacco open to return
In response, Flacco expressed overwhelming positivity about his experience in Cleveland. According to Flacco, his run in Cleveland was a surprising turn of events that provided him with a dreamlike journey during a season where opportunities were scarce.
During an appearance on Barstool Sports' Pardon My Take podcast on January 20, Flacco said, "Man, Cleveland was unbelievable. I am definitely open to being back in Cleveland.”.”
However, Flacco will take some time to consider. “I don't want to rush any decisions,” he said.
“I didn't know what the market for QBs was gonna look like last spring, and I don't know what it's gonna look like this spring. So I don't know if I'm gonna have options, or if I'm gonna have zero options.”
The quarterback shared his positive opinion of Cleveland’s management. "I loved Cleveland, though. I loved the building, the people, everything about it ... I can't say enough good things about how that organization is being run right now."
2024 plans
Looking ahead to the offseason, the Browns face tough decisions as they aim to build a roster capable of contending for a championship in 2024.
Berry also addressed Nick Chubb's season-ending injury and the subsequent surgeries to repair torn knee ligaments. Despite the uncertainty of Chubb's free agency, Berry remains optimistic about his return in 2024.
Although the Browns fell short of a Super Bowl victory this season, the team made significant progress by reaching the playoffs, as Cleveland has not made the playoffs since 2020. As the offseason unfolds, Berry said he and his team will carefully evaluate options and make decisions in the best interest of the team's long-term success.