A Veteran Presence with a Competitive Edge
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco is approaching his second stint with the team with a clear mindset: he’s here to compete. Entering his 18th NFL season, Flacco wants to be seen as a legitimate contender, not just a veteran mentor.
“It’s not really about that. It’s just not the main focus,” Flacco said this week, via ESPN. “I see myself as a guy that can play in this league. So, if your main focus was just like, hey, but I’m going to get you ready, you’re just not taking care of business.”
As Deshaun Watson continues to recover from an Achilles injury that could potentially keep him sidelined for the entire 2025 season, Flacco is moving through the offseason with the goal of earning the starting job. He faces competition from Kenny Pickett, now on his third NFL team, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Pickett, acquired via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles, echoed Flacco’s mentality, making his intentions clear: “He didn’t come to Cleveland just to hang out.”
Returning to Familiar Ground
In April, the Browns re-signed Flacco to a one-year, $4 million deal, bringing back the quarterback who earned the 2023 AP Comeback Player of the Year Award during his initial run with the team. Flacco spent the 2024 season with the Indianapolis Colts, where he started six games and went 2-4.
Reflecting on his role in Cleveland, Flacco emphasized the importance of leading by example rather than assuming a traditional mentorship role. “The best way to be a mentor, honestly, is to show people how you go to work and, like I said, hope that they pick up on that stuff, but not necessarily force them to pick up on the things that you do.”
During his first stint with the Browns, Flacco was a strong fit in Head Coach Kevin Stefanski’s system. Despite a season plagued by injuries that saw five different quarterbacks take the field, Flacco helped guide the team into the playoffs. Now, he has a chance to compete for the starting role once more.
Coach Stefanski Sees the Same Flacco
As the Browns continue their organized team activities, Stefanski shared a positive assessment of Flacco’s current form. “Joe physically has been gifted with the ability to throw the football. He looks the same to me,” Stefanski said.
“It’s just fun having some veterans in that room, some young guys in the quarterback room. They really feed off of each other. And certainly, Joe has a lot to explain to the guys or a lot of wisdom to impart on those guys of things that have come up in his career.”
A Chance to Prove Himself Again
With 191 career starts and a Super Bowl MVP to his name, Flacco’s résumé speaks volumes. Yet he remains motivated to show he’s still capable of leading a team. He’ll get the opportunity to prove himself during training camp and preseason, as he aims to earn more starts and possibly another shot at postseason success.
