Barring an injury, the Cleveland Browns have found their starting quarterback for the rest of the regular season in Joe Flacco, who stated his intentions for the future over the weekend.
On Sunday, December 10, Flacco spoke with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk following Cleveland’s home win over the AFC South Division-leading Jacksonville Jaguars. During that conversation, the quarterback mentioned his future plans, which Florio reported on Monday via his podcast.
“He’s got the rest of his life to do whatever he wants,” he explained. ‘I’ve got the rest of my life to do something other than play football,’ he says. “I’m going to play football for as long as I can.” Florio informed co-host Chris Simms.
Despite other options, Joe Flacco wants to stay in Cleveland for the rest of the season.
The return of Flacco to the practice squad Following his first win as the Browns’ starter on Monday, the quarterback had the option to jump ship and sign with any NFL team he desired. However, according to media reports and head coach Kevin Stefanski, no such thing will happen.
“I’d say don’t worry about it,” Stefanski told reporters on Monday. “Because everything will work out.” I wouldn’t get too worked up about it.”
Through a post on X, the social media website formerly known as Twitter, ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported Flacco’s intentions to remain with the Browns.
“Joe Flacco has reverted back to the Browns’ practice squad and, at the same [time], he also is now eligible to sign with another team’s active roster,” Schefter reported on Monday. “Despite any interest, Flacco wants to remain in Cleveland.”
The Minnesota Vikings, who are switching from Josh Dobbs to Nick Mullens ahead of Week 15, could have been a good fit for Flacco. When Mullens takes the field against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, the Vikings will join the Browns as one of the few NFL teams to start four quarterbacks this season.
Joe Flacco’s NFL victories have all come in Cleveland over the last four seasons.
It’s understandable that the 38-year-old Flacco wants to finish the season and possibly his professional career in Cleveland.
Not only did the Browns give Flacco another chance in the NFL, but they also named him the starter for the rest of 2023 after only two games. Cleveland is also the only place Flacco has won as a starter in the last four seasons.
Flacco spent the previous three seasons with the New York Jets. During that time, he started nine games and went 1-8. His lone victory came in Week 2 of last season in Cleveland. The quarterback is now 1-1 as the Browns’ starter in 2023, with games remaining against the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Jets, and Bengals.
Flacco spent his first 11 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, where he won Super Bowl MVP in 2012. He then spent a year with the Denver Broncos before joining the Jets. According to Pro Football Reference, he is 49-of-89 for 565 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions for the Browns in 2023.
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