Browns: Joe Flacco Prefers Cleveland Return

Joe Flacco’s time with the Cleveland Browns might not be over quite yet, per a recent report. The two sides reportedly met during the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, with both showing interest in this possibility.

From the Browns’ perspective, this would be an absolute no-brainer. Flacco proved last year that he is more than capable of guiding a team to wins and into the postseason. Additionally, he was able to help Amari Cooper and David Njoku play at a much higher level. All of this is well and good but there is one $64 million problem standing in his way. The presence of Deshaun Watson.

Watson is pretty much etched in stone as Cleveland’s starter, and that is not likely to change. Flacco would be relegated to a backup role if he were to return, and that could impact his decision on where he plays next. Signing elsewhere could lead to being a starter from day one or at least competing for that job. The only real path to time on the field in Cleveland is if Watson gets injured or continues to be a mostly ineffective passer. Should either happen, Flacco would be next in line to take over, but that is far from a guarantee.

It will come down to whether or not Flacco wants to risk what could be his last playing year as a backup in Cleveland or explore an opportunity elsewhere that may have more playing time but on a lesser team. There are plenty of things to consider from Flacco’s point of view, and his decision-making process will definitely be worth paying close attention to.