The Cleveland Browns have announced that 40-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco will start the season as the team’s primary signal-caller. Flacco, who is entering his 18th NFL season, also will play in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. Coach Kevin Stefanski described the game as a dress rehearsal for the regular season.
Flacco emerged from a quarterback competition with Kenny Pickett and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Despite Pickett’s hamstring injury and Gabriel’s and Sanders’ limited practice reps, Flacco secured the majority of first-team reps due to injuries and delineation of practice time.
The Browns signed Tyler Huntley to provide depth after a series of quarterback injuries in training camp. Flacco led the team to a 4-1 record during his initial stint with the Browns last season, culminating in an NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. Before rejoining the Browns on a one-year deal worth $4 million, Flacco spent the 2024 season with the Indianapolis Colts.
Flacco boasts an impressive resume, including Super Bowl XLVII MVP honors and over 45,700 yards thrown during his 17-season career. He is set to face off against his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, in Week 2, marking his first start in Baltimore since being traded by the Ravens after the 2018 season.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46009025/browns-name-veteran-qb-joe-flacco-week-1-starter-vs-bengals