With Deshaun Watson out for the season, the Cleveland Browns are testing out options at quarterback.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Browns are hosting a QB workout Friday morning, with former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco among the participants, per sources informed of the situation.
Flacco, who is 38 years old, played five games including four starts for the New York Jets in 2022. The experienced quarterback was initially drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2008. Although he never received a Pro Bowl selection in his 15 seasons, he played a key role in leading the Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XLVII and was honored as the game’s MVP.
Flacco spent 11 seasons with the Ravens before playing for Denver in 2019, where he started eight games. He has been a part of the Jets team for the last three seasons, starting in nine games. In 2022, he had a completion rate of 57.6 percent, throwing for 1,051 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions. In the four games he started, Gang Green recorded a 1-3 win-loss ratio.
At this point, Flacco’s mobility and passing abilities are limited. However, his experience could be advantageous for Cleveland’s QB room, and he is capable of starting when necessary.
Fifth-round rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will take over the starting gig this week against rival Pittsburgh. P.J. Walker, who started two games this season and played the bulk of a third, is the primary backup.
Should DTR face difficulty or injury, Walker is the immediate successor for the 6-3 Browns, presently at the No. 6 seed in the AFC. However, the Browns could use an additional quarterback, and it would be logical for coach Kevin Stefanski to consider someone with playoff experience.
When the Browns end up having to start a fourth quarterback, it’s clear that things have gone off track on the banks of Lake Erie.
