BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Joe Flacco used to regularly defeat the Browns. He might decide to join them.
The former Super Bowl MVP is working out for Cleveland on Friday, which is still figuring out its quarterback situation after losing Deshaun Watson to a season-ending shoulder injury, according to a person familiar with the visit.
Flacco, 38, could be an option for the Browns, who lost Watson for the season after fracturing his right shoulder in the first half of last week’s win at Baltimore.
Despite the injury, Watson played the second half and completed 14 of 14 passes to lead the Browns to a 33-31 victory.
Flacco, who spent 11 seasons with the Ravens, is the only quarterback working out at the team’s facility on Friday, according to a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the club never publicly discloses any player workouts.
Following practice, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski refused to confirm Flacco’s workout, saying only, “we bring a lot of guys in.”
Flacco has an 18-3 career record against the Browns, and he led the New York Jets to an unlikely comeback victory over them last season. In 2023, he was not on any roster. But he hasn’t ruled out returning, and Cleveland hasn’t either.
Watson’s injury threatens to derail a promising season for the Browns (6-3), who won’t have their franchise quarterback until at least 2024 and desperately need help now.
With Watson out, the Browns will start rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) on Sunday, with P.J. Walker as his backup. Thompson-Robinson threw three interceptions in his only start on Oct. 1 against the Ravens.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry stated earlier this week that the team will add a third quarterback, but he did not specify whether it would be to the active roster or the practice squad. Before making any decisions, the Browns may wait to see how Thompson-Robinson performs in his second career start.
Elijah Moore, a wide receiver who spent two seasons with Flacco in New York, said he would be a great addition.
“Joe’s a leader,” Moore remarked. “He appears to have a lot of experience.” He understands football, and how could you not want to rely on someone who understands football? They have been playing the game at a very high level for a long time, the highest level, MVP level. So much respect for him.”
In 2013, Flacco was named Super Bowl MVP after leading the Ravens to a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. He went 22-of-33 for 287 yards and three touchdowns.
In 180 career NFL starts, the 6-foot-6 quarterback has passed for 42,320 yards and is 99-81 as a starter. Flacco spent 11 seasons with the Ravens, three with the Jets, and one with the Broncos.
Like Moore, Browns All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett believes Flacco would be a valuable addition, either as a player or to assist Thompson-Robinson.
“Adolescence and experience.” When asked about the value of adding a player like Flacco, Garrett said, “Wisdom.” “Although Deshaun has played more, Flacco has seen more. He’s reached the pinnacle. Even if he doesn’t see the field being there and being a consistent leader, he can provide that little bit of a mentor role.”
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