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CLEVELAND — Last year, Joe Flacco was in street clothes when the NFL season began. This year, he’s hoping that’s not the case.
The 2023 comeback player of the year will be an unrestricted free agent on March 13. That means he can sign with any team at any time.
But Flacco told Sirius radio on Monday that a reunion with the Browns is first choice. “All things equal, Cleveland is definitely that place I would feel the best about.” Per a league source, he loves playing there — the team, the city, the fans, everything. The two sides met regarding the possibility last week at the Scouting Combine.
The 39-year-old signed with Cleveland on November 20 and went 4-1 in his regular season starts – throwing for 1,616 yards (323.3 PG) and 13 touchdowns. But with Deshaun Watson set to return, Flacco now will be relegated to a backup role.
The Browns started five different quarterbacks last season after their $230 million quarterback played just six games – so locking down Flacco will likely be top priority. But with Cleveland paying Watson a boatload of fully guaranteed money, locking down Flacco could be difficult. The Browns currently have just $6.8 million in salary cap space.
Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show Monday, ESPN insider Adam Schefter mentioned the Patriots as another possible landing spot. “I think when we’re talking New England the first two names that come to my mind would be Joe Flacco and Jacoby Brissett.”
Welcome to the NFL offseason. There are names flying around in all different directions. But one thing is for certain – Joe Flacco will have a market.
