CLEVELAND — Free agent and reigning NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Joe Flacco, is ready to do it again with the Cleveland Browns for the 2024 season.
During an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, the 38-year-old veteran QB discussed his approach to free agency and how he feels about the possibility of returning to Cleveland.
"I can tell you that all things equal, Cleveland is definitely the place I would feel best about," said Flacco during the interview.
Flacco's story to the Browns is one-of-a-kind. The University of Delaware product signed with the Browns in November 2023 following Deshaun Watson's season-ending shoulder injury.
"I can't help but have a special feeling about Cleveland just because of the few weeks that I spent there and how great the city was," admitted Flacco. "At the end of the day, I don't want that to necessarily be all of the decision, but I do think it will factor into the decision if I end up having a decision to make."
"Flacco Fever" was alive and well during Flacco's time as the Browns' starting QB at the end of the 2023 season.
The 2012 Super Bowl MVP came off the couch to lead the Browns to the playoffs. Unfortunately, the team lost in the wild-card round to the Houston Texans, but Flacco's status as a Cleveland hero was secured.
In just five games for the Browns, Flacco threw for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also became the only Browns player to throw for over 300 yards in four straight games.
"I can honestly say that Cleveland is an unbelievable place, and it will hold a special value for me when I make those decisions," said Flacco at the end of the interview with SiriusXM.
If he does return to Cleveland, Flacco understands that his role would be different -- as he would serve as Watson's backup.
"Listen, obviously, if I go back to Cleveland, I've wrapped my mind around that idea. Obviously, I want to play football. That is also a really, really big factor, probably the biggest factor," said Flacco on Watson's return.
At the NFL Combine, Browns GM Andrew Berry said that Watson, who fractured a bone in his throwing shoulder in a win over Baltimore on Nov. 12, has been cleared to throw in a few weeks.
