Cleveland, OH — Joe Flacco is back with the Cleveland Browns. At age 40, the veteran quarterback has signed a one-year deal worth $4 million. But this isn’t just a backup signing. It may change the future of the team — and the 2025 NFL Draft.
Flacco’s new deal has fans talking. Some wonder if he’s there to start again. Others ask what this means for Deshaun Watson and Kenny Pickett. And with the Browns holding the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, one big question is rising fast: Will the Browns pass on quarterback Shedeur Sanders?
Let’s break it down.
Flacco’s Return: The Contract Breakdown
Flacco’s new contract with the Browns is simple at first glance. He gets $4 million guaranteed for the 2025 season. But that number can go up depending on how he performs.
If Flacco starts most games but the Browns don’t make the playoffs, he’ll earn $6 million. If they do make the playoffs, his pay could rise to $8 million.
There’s even a chance the deal could reach $13 million — but only if he hits major milestones like being named All-Pro, which is very unlikely. He’s never received that honor, even during his Super Bowl MVP season.
This shows that the Browns believe in Flacco — but they’re also being smart. They’ll only pay more if he delivers.
Quarterback Room Uncertainty
Why bring Flacco back now?
The Browns already have two other quarterbacks: Deshaun Watson and Kenny Pickett. But both come with big questions.
Watson is still recovering from multiple Achilles injuries. No one knows exactly when he’ll be ready to play again — or if he’ll return to full strength.
Pickett was recently traded to the team. He’s younger than Flacco but still unproven. Last season, he had trouble staying healthy and didn’t perform as expected in Pittsburgh.
That leaves the Browns in a tricky spot. They need someone who can step in right away if Watson can’t go. Flacco did that last year — and he delivered. He helped lead the team to the playoffs and even earned the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
This signing shows that the Browns don’t want to take chances. They’re planning for the worst and hoping for the best.
Draft Implications: Will the Browns Skip Shedeur Sanders?
Here’s where things get even more interesting.
The Browns have the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Many fans expected them to go after a top quarterback, like Shedeur Sanders.
But now, with Flacco back and Pickett in the mix, the Browns may be rethinking that plan.
Instead of drafting Sanders, the team might go for another top player, like:
- Travis Hunter Jr., a Heisman Trophy winner and star wide receiver/cornerback
- Abdul Carter, a standout edge rusher from Penn State
Some insiders think signing Flacco is a signal. It tells other teams (and fans) that the Browns may pass on a QB in Round 1.
Is this a smart move? That depends on how much the team trusts Watson’s recovery — and how ready they think Pickett or Flacco can be in the long run.
Strategic Signal or Temporary Fix?
Flacco’s return might be more than just about football. It could be a draft strategy.
By having three quarterbacks on the roster, the Browns may be trying to throw other teams off their trail. If teams think Cleveland won’t draft a QB, they might not try to trade up. That gives the Browns more power on draft night.
But it’s also possible this is just a short-term fix.
Flacco is 40 years old. He won’t be playing many more seasons. And while he was great last year, there’s no promise he’ll be just as good this time.
So is this a bold, smart move? Or is it a risky one?
Fans are split. Some are excited to have a steady hand like Flacco back. Others think skipping a young QB like Sanders could hurt the team later.
What Browns Fans Should Expect Next
So, what’s next for the Cleveland Browns?
They have three quarterbacks — but no clear starter yet. Watson’s health is still a mystery. Pickett is a wild card. And Flacco, while experienced, may not have many games left in his arm.
The draft is coming fast. If the Browns skip a QB, fans should expect them to add a playmaker on defense or a star weapon on offense.
But if things go wrong at quarterback, people will be asking why they didn’t take Sanders when they had the chance.
Either way, Joe Flacco is back — and his return could shape the Browns’ entire future.
Want to Weigh In?
📢 POLL: Should the Browns draft Shedeur Sanders at No. 2?
👍 Yes — We need a young star!
👎 No — We’re set at QB for now.
Quick Facts: Joe Flacco’s Road Back to Cleveland
- Age: 40
- 2023 Season: Led Browns to playoffs
- Award: 2023 NFL Comeback Player of the Year
- New Deal: 1-year, $4M base, up to $13M with incentives
- Competing With: Deshaun Watson, Kenny Pickett
Final Word
Joe Flacco isn’t just coming back to play. He’s coming back to compete — and maybe to lead again.
Whether he ends up starting or not, his presence changes everything. From the locker room to the draft war room, this move sends a strong message:
The Browns aren’t waiting around. They’re getting ready — now.