Insider links Super Bowl MVP QB with Patriots

Perhaps Cleveland Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot knew more than some thought when she recently linked current Cleveland quarterback and soon-to-be free agent Joe Flacco with the New England Patriots. 

"I’m hearing the Patriots are interested in possibly signing Flacco as a bridge starter to help mentor a rookie quarterback if they select one at No. 3 overall," Cabot wrote for a piece published Thursday. "Former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt — now in that role in New England — is helping to lead the charge on the quarterback search, and knows as well as anyone that Flacco has plenty left in the tank even though he turned 39 on Jan. 16."

Flacco famously went from his couch to the role of Cleveland savior this past campaign while playing under Van Pelt and Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. 

In total, the Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player won four of five regular-season starts to help guide the Browns to a playoff berth. 

He completed 60.3 percent of 204 passes for 1,616 yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions over those outings en route to earning Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year honors.

As for the Patriots, they may or may not have a plan for their quarterback situation that involves signing a veteran like Flacco, spending the No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft on a signal-caller and moving on from 2021 first-round choice Mac Jones. 

"One source (said) that Flacco has his sights set on a starting role and has no desire to be a backup next season with his starting window narrowing," Cabot explained. 

Flacco could receive a starting opportunity in New England even if the Patriots draft a quarterback at No. 3, as new head coach Jerod Mayo may want a rookie to sit and learn from somebody who has experienced the highest of highs and some pretty low lows in the NFL. 

There is, of course, a chance the Patriots could look to sign a proven commodity and big-name quarterback such as Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings or Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency. 

Cabot said that "most expect the Bucs to re-sign" Mayfield sooner rather than later.