Joe Flacco is 40 years old. It was over a decade ago that Flacco was a team’s franchise quarterback. A Super Bowl winner with the Ravens and an MVP in the biggest game of his career, Flacco was once at the top of his game. Then he fell off a bit, lost his starting spot to Lamar Jackson. Got traded to the Denver Broncos in 2019. Spent 2020 and 2021 with the Jets and the Eagles. And was back in New York again when the Jets lost Zach Wilson. However, it was not until the 2023 season that Flacco suddenly found his mojo back. Having won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year with the Browns in his first stint, Flacco is now back for one last hurrah as he tries to give the Browns what they have been missing dearly.

It wasn’t until week 13 that Flacco was named the starter when the Browns lost Deshaun Watson to a season-ending injury. After Dorian Thompson-Robinson was also ruled out with a concussion, the Browns had to throw Flacco in. In his 5 starts, Flacco steered the Browns to a postseason berth. In those five games, Flacco even led the league in passing yards (1,616) and TDs (13). He may have also thrown 8 INTs. But Flacco’s impact was so monumental that he became the oldest player ever since Jim Martin to win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

He helped Cleveland clinch its first playoff ticket in three years. And once a QB who the Dawg Pound hated because of his Baltimore roots suddenly earned hero status. His fairy tale run with the Browns may have come to an end in the Wild Card. But he had done enough to win Cleveland’s hearts. Now, as he returns for his second stint, his teammate Cedric Tillman couldn’t be more excited to have Flacco back.

When asked about his thoughts on seeing Joe return to Cleveland, Tillman said, “I was excited, I was like, we got Joe back, so you know it’s good to have his veteran presence in here.” A true veteran presence is something the Browns have lacked since Flacco left for Indianapolis. Jameis Winston was never the answer, even though he showed flashes of brilliance. So, the Browns didn’t retain him for another year. After he left in free agency, the Browns were always looking at a veteran QB.

They did bring Kenny Pickett from the Eagles. But compared to Flacco’s experience and knowledge of the game from a Champions point of view. Flacco is probably the best QB right now on the Browns roster. However, he may not be the probable starter, given that the Browns are likely to take a QB in the draft.

Joe Flacco believes the Browns are going to draft a QB

With Cleveland having the No.2 pick, they can pick whatever player suits their preference. Whether it’s Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter, both are getting heavily linked to the Browns. But the one position the Browns are still expected to address more than others is quarterback. Considering how Watson has leeched the Browns’ picks and money throughout his tenure, you just can’t see them moving past a QB. Even Flacco expects his team to draft one sooner or later, “I’m expecting. I think everyone’s expecting them to take a quarterback, and it’s just part of the game.”

Given that the Titans are already expected to draft Cam Ward at No.1, the Browns may have to contend with Shedeur Sanders, the next-best QB after Ward. Of course, the feel around the Browns has shifted a bit from QB. As multiple mock drafts have linked them with Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. But even if they don’t take Sanders. You just can’t see them not draft a QB at all. Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe are all viable options for the Browns later in the draft.

But who will they pick? That’s something we’re gonna find out soon. With the NFL 2025 draft kicking off in Green Bay today, the Browns’ true stance on QBs will be out in a matter of hours.