At this point, it feels like a habit neither party can break. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the former Ravens star has signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns worth $4 million, giving the 40-year-old another season before hanging up the cleats.
This signing reflects more on Cleveland’s quarterback situation than on himself. With Deshaun Watson recovering from another significant injury, Kenny Pickett joining via trade, and the front office exploring top QB prospects in the upcoming draft, the Browns needed a reliable fallback option. Bringing in him is a strategic insurance move—an attempt to avoid disaster if their primary options don’t pan out.
The deal could reach $13 million with incentives, a number that’s not out of reach considering the uncertainty under center. Watson is still rehabbing, Pickett remains unproven, and now Flacco re-enters a system he’s already comfortable in—essentially a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option.
Flacco’s return doesn’t drastically alter the Browns’ quarterback plans, but it does provide some stability. He knows head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense, has rapport with the roster, and last year delivered some of Cleveland’s most consistent QB play in recent memory.
With Watson’s health in question and Pickett as more of a wild card, Cleveland is still likely to pursue a quarterback early in the draft—maybe someone like Shedeur Sanders or Jalen Milroe. A rookie could benefit from learning behind a seasoned vet like Flacco, who’s familiar with the team and ready to step in if needed.
At this stage of his career, Flacco is a known commodity—a game manager who can push the ball downfield and run the offense efficiently. He won’t elevate a team on his own, but Cleveland isn’t asking him to. They know what they’re getting and trust the floor he provides.
This could very well be Flacco’s final shot in the league. And yeah, it’s a little bittersweet that it’s with the Browns. But considering how close he was to retirement, it’s impressive he’s still getting calls. Maybe the Ravens will get another chance to line up against their old quarterback.