Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco didn’t mince words during his OTA press conference. The 41-year-old delivered some honest comments on his role in the Browns’ quarterback room.
Browns reporters wanted to know how the seasoned NFL player is helping mentor Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett.
“I’ve said, I’m not a mentor. I play football,” Flacco told Browns reporters Via Yahoo Sports.”And in a quarterback room, there’s a lot of times — already, there’s already been a ton of times where there’s learning experiences and I have a lot of experience, and I can talk on things, and hopefully they listen.”
Flacco was acquired from the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason, signing a one-year contract worth 4 million. He has recorded 1,761 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions last season.
The Cleveland Browns made sure to bring back a quarterback they were familiar with. Flacco showed promise and helped guide the Browns to the playoffs during the 2023 season. He threw for over 1,000 yards, threw 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Unfortunately, Cleveland would lose 45-14 to the Houston Texans. Cleveland decided not to re-sign Flacco after the 2023 season despite having an imperfect quarterback situation. The franchise saw Deshaun Watson struggle and suffer an Achilles tendon injury.
Flacco tried to help the Colts last season when young quarterback Anthony Richardson got hurt. The veteran played well in spurts, especially in a heartbreaking 37-34 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He completed 33 passes, threw for 359 yards, and threw three touchdown passes.
The 2024 season wasn’t perfect for Flacco. He struggled against the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings and contributed to the Colts’ shaky quarterback room.
Flacco’s comments may sound bizarre to some sports fans, but they have some validity. The former Super Bowl champion has the right to speak his mind and comment as he wishes, given that he is fighting for a chance to start in the Browns’ quarterback room.
The Browns didn’t hand Flacco a massive contract, they also loaded up their quarterback room. While Flacco is the most tenured quarterback, that doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed a starting spot.
It’s been a while since Flacco was the unquestioned and bona fide starter. He has spent the last six years of his career on various teams, including the Broncos, Jets, Eagles, Browns, and Colts. The QB is trying to find a home in the NFL and stick with a franchise at his advanced age for a quarterback.
The journeyman quarterback didn’t have to deal with being a mentor and moving around the NFL during his Baltimore Ravens career. He has said that he has enjoyed his time as a starter in Baltimore, playing for the great franchise from 2008 to 2018.
Flacco is at a critical point in his career. He doesn’t have a lot of time left and hasn’t been able to stick with a team past a season or two. His last playoff appearance was in January 2024 was his first since January 10, 2015, when the Ravens lost to the Patriots.
The Browns have an interesting quarterback room, and Flacco must outwork the younger signal-callers. Cleveland could cut Flacco if they wanted because he’s not getting paid top-of-market money. The 2025 season will prove whether Flacco can stick around in the NFL a little longer.
If you want more NFL news or quarterback-focused articles from Stadium Rant, check out this one from Jamie Malloy.
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