The Cleveland Browns season did not conclude as many fans and players had hoped, with a blowout away loss to the Houston Texans during Super Wild Card Weekend. However, the path to get there, which included a double-digit win season despite a slew of ailments, should be recognized. The Browns lost their starting backfield of franchise cornerstones Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb, received limited output from a pair of backup quarterbacks, and suffered offensive line injuries.
However, the Browns’ late-season signing of former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco lifted them, as they won four of their last six games and secured the top AFC Wild Card slot. Flacco’s rise has raised concerns about his future in the NFL, particularly a potential return to Cleveland. He appeared on Pardon My Take, Barstool Sports’ flagship show, and expressed his desire to return to the Browns next autumn.
Cleveland Browns QB Joe Flacco: Wants to Return to the Club for the 2024 Season.
Flacco discussed his experience in Cleveland this season, saying, “I love Cleveland. “I adore the building, the people, and everything about it.” Flacco signed with the Browns in late November, as the team struggled with quarterbacks P.J. Walker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Walker threw one touchdown and five interceptions while completing less than 50% of his throws. Thompson-Robinson, a rookie, didn’t do much better, tossing just one touchdown and four interceptions.
He went on to say, “I think it would be a very special place to be if I have the opportunity to go back there.” In 2022, the Cleveland Browns signed fellow quarterback Deshaun Watson to a mega-contract. He was given a five-year, $230 million, fully guaranteed contract. He had an exceptional 104.5 quarterback rating with the Houston Texans before joining Cleveland. However, when wearing brown, orange, and white, that figure dropped to 81.7.
Joe Flacco: NFL Comeback
Flacco started five regular-season games for the Cleveland Browns, throwing 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He passed for an average of 323.2 yards per game. His 90.2 rating substantially outperformed the other four quarterbacks the Browns utilized in 2023. Despite going 34-of-46 for 307 yards in the team’s first-round playoff game, he threw two crucial interceptions. Both returned for touchdowns.
