Joe Flacco Reunites with Cleveland Browns on Incentive-Laden Deal, Reshaping Quarterback Dynamics Ahead of NFL Draft Cleveland bets on veteran stability as Deshaun Watson’s future remains uncertain and Kenny Pickett eyes starting role.

The Cleveland Browns are turning back the clock to 2023, bringing veteran quarterback Joe Flacco into the fold on a one-year contract worth up to $13 million with performance-based incentives. The deal, which includes $4 million guaranteed, marks a reunion with the 40-year-old signal-caller who revitalized the franchise during a late-season playoff push two years ago, earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors.

A Familiar Face in Turbulent Waters Flacco’s return comes as the Browns navigate the fallout from Deshaun Watson’s second Achilles tear, an injury expected to sideline the embattled quarterback for most—if not all—of the 2025 season. The move provides Cleveland with a cost-effective bridge option familiar with head coach Kevin Stefanski’s system, where Flacco previously thrived by throwing 13 touchdowns across five starts in 2023. His ability to stretch the field and manage games contrasts sharply with Watson’s struggles, as the former Pro Bowler posted the NFL’s lowest Total QBR last season before his injury.

Quarterback Room Dynamics The Browns’ current quarterback roster now features a trio of contrasting narratives:

• Flacco: The seasoned Super Bowl XLVII MVP seeking one final playoff run
• Kenny Pickett: The former Steelers first-rounder acquired via trade, who declared, “I’m not going there to hang out—I want to play”
• Watson: The $230 million enigma facing career uncertainty amid injury and off-field controversies

This setup suggests an open competition for the starting job, with Flacco’s experience balancing Pickett’s hunger to revive his career. The Browns’ front office appears poised to avoid being handcuffed by Watson’s massive contract, using Flacco’s incentive structure to ensure pay aligns with production.

Draft Implications and League-Wide Ripples With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cleveland faces mounting speculation about its strategy. While analysts like ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggest the team could bypass quarterbacks for Colorado two-way phenom Travis Hunter, Flacco’s signing doesn’t eliminate the possibility of drafting a developmental prospect. The move does, however, reduce urgency to pursue high-cost veterans like Kirk Cousins, whom Cleveland had previously considered.

The Flacco Effect The veteran’s return underscores Cleveland’s belief in his 2023 magic, when he transformed a 7-4 team into playoff contenders with a 4-1 starting record. His rapport with star receiver Amari Cooper and tight end David Njoku remains a selling point, as does his familiarity with Stefanski’s play-action heavy scheme. For Flacco, the deal represents a chance to build on his late-career resurgence after a mixed 2024 stint with Indianapolis, where he threw 12 touchdowns against seven interceptions.

What’s Next As OTAs approach, all eyes will be on whether Flacco can replicate his 2023 form and if Pickett’s bold proclamation translates to on-field results. The Browns’ decision at No. 2—whether to select Hunter, a quarterback, or trade down—will further clarify their vision. For now, Cleveland’s quarterback carousel spins with renewed purpose, banking on a 40-year-old’s arm to steady a franchise perennially searching for stability.

The stage is set for a training camp battle that could define the Browns’ trajectory in a loaded AFC North, where Flacco’s experience and Pickett’s potential collide under the shadow of Watson’s uncertain future.