Photo Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns have found their veteran quarterback — and it might change their strategy for the upcoming NFL Draft. On Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Joe Flacco has agreed to return to Cleveland on a one-year deal worth $4 million, with incentives that could raise it to $13 million. The 40-year-old quarterback helped lead the Browns to the playoffs last season and won the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award after stepping in during a year of chaos under center. Flacco’s return could also signal a shift in the Browns’ draft plans. Instead of using the No. 2 overall pick on a QB, Cleveland may now look elsewhere — possibly targeting Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter. Schefter reported earlier this week that Hunter is becoming a serious option at No. 2.
A Chaotic 2024 Season at Quarterback
The Browns had one of the NFL’s most unstable quarterback situations last season. Four different players threw passes for the team in 2024. Deshaun Watson struggled before tearing his Achilles in October and is expected to miss most of 2025. Jameis Winston provided a spark but was benched after throwing eight interceptions in three games. Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw three picks with no touchdowns in his two appearances, and Bailey Zappe finished the season as Cleveland’s 40th starting quarterback since 1999.
General manager Andrew Berry said in January that the quarterback room would “look different next year,” and so far, he’s followed through. The team traded for Kenny Pickett, sending a fifth-round pick and Thompson-Robinson to the Eagles. Cleveland also showed interest in other veterans, including Russell Wilson and Daniel Jones, but both signed elsewhere.
Flacco Returns as a Trusted Option
At the NFL’s annual league meeting in Palm Beach, Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam said Flacco remained on the team’s radar and emphasized that the Browns wouldn’t feel pressured to draft a quarterback just because of their high pick.
“It would be great if we could get ‘the quarterback,’ but we’re not going to force it,” Haslam said. “We’re going to be patient and try to add as many good football players as we can.”
That mindset opens the door for Cleveland to take a top non-quarterback prospect at No. 2 — and no one’s stock is rising faster than Travis Hunter. ESPN’s Draft Predictor gives Hunter over a 40% chance to be the pick. Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter is next at just above 30%, while Hunter’s Colorado teammate, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, sits at 11%.
Building for Now and the Future
The Browns could also wait to draft a quarterback with their second pick at No. 33. They’ve met with several prospects projected to go outside the first round, including Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, and Louisville’s Tyler Shough. All three might still be on the board when Cleveland picks again.
With Flacco and Pickett on the roster, Cleveland doesn’t need to rush a rookie quarterback into action. Pickett, 26 in June, is 15-10 as an NFL starter and will compete for the job this offseason. Flacco offers leadership, experience, and familiarity with head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense — especially if the team returns to the scheme Stefanski used in his first four seasons, as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has reported.
While Flacco’s 2024 stint with the Colts ended with a 2-4 record, he posted strong numbers: 1,761 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. In Cleveland, he threw for over 300 yards in four straight wins and went 4-1 in his five regular-season starts before losing to Houston in the playoffs.
Berry didn’t rule out another quarterback addition before or after the draft, but said the room would “skew young.” With Flacco to guide the group, Cleveland now has the flexibility to wait on drafting a quarterback — or to pass on one entirely at No. 2.
Now, the biggest question isn’t whether the Browns will draft a quarterback — it’s when.
Related Content: Top 20 NFL Draft Prospects: Mike Green
This report used information from ESPN.
