The Cleveland Browns’ signing of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco may seem surprising at first, but it reveals more about the team’s approach to finding a long-term solution than it does about their immediate plans. With Flacco joining Kenny Pickett in the quarterback room, adding another high-profile quarterback seems unlikely.
This move makes Kirk Cousins’ situation even more uncertain. The Falcons had been rumored to be trading him, but they instead decided to hold onto him after paying a $10 million bonus early in the league year. It’s an unusual move, but having a reliable backup like Flacco is valuable.
Cousins was always considered a reasonable landing place for the Browns, given their willingness to take on a significant portion of his $180 million contract. However, with Flacco now on board, it seems unlikely that the team will pursue Cousins in a trade.
The only potential options left for Cousins appear to be the Falcons or the Pittsburgh Steelers, although both scenarios are uncertain. The Browns’ decision not to draft a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 overall suggests they may be waiting for the 2026 class to develop their long-term solution.
While Flacco provides a veteran option for the team, it’s unclear how much impact he’ll have on their chances of competing in the AFC North this season. Nevertheless, his signing has had an effect elsewhere in the NFL, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding quarterback positions and the ongoing search for answers in the league.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/browns-signing-of-joe-flacco-tells-us-something-about-kirk-cousins-and-also-the-nfl-draft-173830522.html