Looks like Deshaun Watson’s Browns tenure is all but over as Cleveland brings back a familiar face to their QB room. Super Bowl XLVII MVP Joe Flacco, who wasn’t even part of the Browns roster until late November in his first stint, is coming back for one last hurrah. The last time Flacco was handed QB duties for the Dawg Pound, he won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Under his command, the Browns punched a postseason ticket after he led them to 4 wins out of 5. Although that run ended against the Texans in the Wildcard Weekend, Flacco couldn’t have written a better script. Maybe that’s why Deshaun Watson, whom Flacco replaced the last time he was in Cleveland, is out there posting cryptic messages as soon as the news of Flacco’s return came to light.

At 39, Flacco was the oldest player to ever snag the NFL Comeback Player of the Year since 1963 for multiple reasons. He led the NFL in pass attempts (204), passing yards (1,316), TDs on the air (13), with a little taint on his resume interceptions (8). All of those came from week 13 to week 17 as Flacco scorched defenses. Meanwhile, Watson was out with a season-ending injury. After he suffered a broken shoulder and Dorian Thompson-Robinson could not play because of concussion, Flacco took charge. Considering that those 2023 memories are still fresh, Watson shared multiple cryptic posts.

One of his Instagram stories had a post that read, “Your mind can be your worst enemy or your best ally.” It’s fairly easy to guess Watson is embroiled in his thoughts of Flacco taking his spot in Cleveland. But it wasn’t the only cryptic post Watson shared in the backdrop of Flacco’s signing. He also shared one motivational reel, which portrayed “The art of losing is beautiful. There is no failure in sports. Loss is a part of life; if you don’t have loss, you don’t grow.” 

Well, there is no one else in the league right now who has gone through the pain of losing like Watson has since joining the Browns. From a lack of on-field productions to off-field drama, Watson has faced it all. Whether it’s his season-ending injuries or missing games through suspension, Watson has repeatedly witnessed the ground beneath him move away. Considering he is now rehabbing from his ACL re-tear with no return date just yet, Flacco’s signing piles more misery.

But Watson also seems unhinged with the Browns bringing Flacco. “You Win some.. you Lose some.. as long as the Outcome turn into Income! Let’s WORK! MoreGLORY 🙏🏾 4OVE.” Watson wrote on his latest Instagram post where he was captured working out in the Browns facility. While Kenny Pickett is expected to be the starter, Flacco will probably be the backup in Cleveland on a $13M contract. His return to Cleveland probably means Watson will now be the third-string QB if he does come back this season.

Joe Flacco’s return all but confirms the Browns’ stance on Deshaun Watson

This offseason, the Browns restructured Watson’s $230M guaranteed contract to create $36M in cap space. That’s why they were able to bring in reinforcements to turn around a miserable 3-14 campaign last season. After they chose not to resign Jameis Winston and sent Dorian Thompson-Robinson to Philadelphia in exchange for Pickett, they needed a backup. At 40, Flacco could give them some reassurance after his rollercoaster of a one-and-done season in Indy. Flacco’s first start as a Colt saw him throw for 359 yards with 3 TDs and no INTs. Although they still lost the game against the Jaguars, Flacco did lead them to a win against the Titans the following week.

Then, the moment their supposed starter, Anthony Richardson, started struggling, Flacco was again handed the starting responsibility. But he couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity at hand. After throwing 4 INTs in two consecutive losses against the Vikings and Bills, Flacco was benched again. He started 6 games in Indy and led them to only 2 wins, while racking up 1,761 passing yards and 12 TDs. His 7 INTs still remain a dark spot in his capabilities.

With the Browns holding the No.2 pick, they could have easily drafted a QB. But now, with Flacco’s arrival, Pickett’s presence and Watson’s absence. It seems like the Browns are probably going to draft Travis Hunter. His arrival in Cleveland could give the Browns an explosive receiver at a rookie deal. In this market, where receivers tend to pull over $30M annually. Hunter could be a bargain the Browns can’t pass on.

96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 TDs. Those numbers prove Hunter can strike a deadly partnership with Jerry Jeudy. It will also take pressure off Jeudy, who seems to be handling the receiver room all alone. So, only time will tell whom the Browns will bring with their No.2 overall. Whether it’s Hunter or Shedeur Sanders, the Browns will be hoping they can forget last season’s horrors as quickly as possible.