The AFC North quarterback picture is finally clear. While the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks were always going to be Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, and the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers to be their starter, the Cleveland Browns had several names in the mix to be their week one starter.
The name that rose to the top of the list is veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. It will be Flacco’s 18th season in the NFL and his second with the Browns. He started five games for the Browns in 2023 and went 4-1. He also started the Wild Card game against the Houston Texans, throwing for over 300 yards in a blowout loss.
Last season, Flacco was with the Indianapolis Colts. He appeared in eight games, starting six and going 2-4 as a starter. He threw 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Colts.
On Monday, he was named the Browns’ starter for week one. Other options included rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shadeur Sanders, and former Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. Flacco is the only one of the four quarterbacks not to miss any action in camp due to injury.
Flacco hasn’t played in the preseason, but he’s earned the confidence of his teammates and coaches. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees both raved about Flacco’s experience and athleticism.
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The Browns play the Steelers in Pittsburgh in week six, and again in Cleveland in week 17. Deshaun Watson is also on the physically unable to perform list, so he could figure into the picture for either matchup. The Browns haven’t had a quarterback start every game in a season since Baker Mayfield did in 2020.
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