Joe Flacco, at 40 years old, stands as a veteran presence in the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback group. Despite his experience, Flacco emphasized that he’s not there just to mentor the younger quarterbacks but aims to compete fully for the starting role.
Speaking after the Browns’ second OTA practice, Flacco said, “The focus isn’t just on helping others; it’s about proving I can still perform at a high level in this league. I want to lead by example and show the younger players what it takes to succeed.”
Flacco is competing against three other healthy quarterbacks for the Browns’ starting job: 2020 first-round pick Kenny Pickett and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson remains sidelined due to an Achilles injury, threatening to keep him out for a large part of the 2025 season.
In April, Flacco returned to Cleveland on a one-year, $4 million contract after an impressive 2023 campaign when he clinched the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, leading the Browns to the playoffs after joining them mid-season. He spent the 2024 season with the Indianapolis Colts, finishing with a 2-4 record as a starter.
Coach Kevin Stefanski praised Flacco’s arm strength and veteran presence, saying, “It’s valuable to have experienced players around the young quarterbacks. Joe brings a lot of knowledge and leadership.”
During Wednesday’s practice, Flacco shared first-team reps with Pickett during drills, followed closely by Gabriel and Sanders. Stefanski noted that the number of reps each quarterback receives can vary throughout the offseason.
Pickett compared Flacco’s impact in the QB room to that of an assistant coach, highlighting the value of learning from his extensive experience. “Having Joe here, you can ask him for insights, and it really helps everyone grow,” Pickett said.
The session was intense and structured to maximize practice time for all quarterbacks. At one point, while Gabriel practiced on one field, Flacco worked on another alongside the veteran players.
Flacco, who was Super Bowl XLVII MVP, reflected on his long career, mentioning he hasn’t been in quarterback competitions since high school. He also praised Sanders’ energy and enthusiasm in meetings and practice, saying it keeps the locker room lively and motivated.
Fan Take: This update underscores how veteran leadership can be crucial in shaping young talent and building team chemistry. For NFL fans, it’s a reminder that experience combined with fresh talent often fuels the best teams, making the Browns’ quarterback competition one to watch this season.
