Joe Flacco is set to return to the AFC North as reported. The former Super Bowl MVP quarterback, who spent 11 seasons with the Ravens, is set to join the Cleveland Browns, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This move comes in the wake of the Browns losing Deshaun Watson to a season-ending shoulder injury in their Week 10 matchup against the Ravens.
After a workout on Friday, Flacco agreed to terms with the Browns and will initially be part of their practice squad. The Browns, currently with a 7-3 record, are in contention with the Ravens for the AFC North crown and a spot in the playoffs. It is anticipated that Flacco will eventually be elevated to the 53-man roster.
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Flacco gained recognition for his outstanding playoff performance in 2012 with the Ravens, leading them to victory in Super Bowl XLVII and earning the game’s MVP title. As a 38-year-old veteran, Flacco holds several franchise records for the Ravens, including passing yards, completions, touchdown passes, regular-season wins, and postseason wins. He was the starting quarterback for the Ravens from his rookie season in 2008 until the middle of 2018 when Lamar Jackson took over.
Former Ravens’ QB and Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco is signing with the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad, per me and @FieldYates. It is expected that Flacco will get promoted to active roster. Flacco will give the Browns added QB depth in light of Deshaun Watson’s season-ending… pic.twitter.com/SPDlTucPbW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 20, 2023
Following his trade to the Broncos before the 2019 season, Flacco has also played for the Jets and Eagles. Last season, he started five games for the Jets, contributing five touchdown passes and three interceptions. Despite a notable comeback victory over the Browns, Flacco was not re-signed by the Jets, who later acquired Aaron Rodgers.
In the recent game against the Steelers, Cleveland’s rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson started, with veteran P.J. Walker as the backup. Thompson-Robinson’s performance included completing 24 of 43 passes for 165 yards and an interception. Despite the offensive challenges, the Browns’ defense played a pivotal role, and Thompson-Robinson managed to lead a game-winning drive, securing a 13-10 victory over the Steelers and moving the Browns into second place in the AFC North race.