- Deion Sanders reveals what he hopes the Draft will be like for sons Shedeur and Shilo: his hidden wish comes as a surprise
- Abdul Carter sends Shedeur Sanders a warning about the Giants' draft plans should Travis Hunter end up with the Browns
In a move that raises eyebrows across the league, the Cleveland Browns have decided to bring back seasoned quarterback Joe Flacco on a one-year deal worth $4 million, with incentives that could elevate the total to $13 million. The g marks a critical juncture for a franchise seeking stability after a tumultuous season that saw them fall far from their playoff ambitions.
Flacco, 40, played a pivotal role during the Browns' 2023 playoff push, showcasing his experience and leadership under pressure. Although the team suffered a collapse this past year, the Browns appear confident that Flacco can once again provide a stabilizing presence in the quarterback room. His return indicates Cleveland's immediate plans are focused on veteran reliability rather than betting on untested rookies or making major trades.
The decision, however, has ripple effects for the Browns' draft strategy and the quarterback market at large. With the No. 2 overall pick, Cleveland was widely speculated to be considering former Colorado Buffaloes star Shedeur Sanders, a top prospect with the potential to redefine their future.
Flacco's g seems to signal that the Browns will on Sanders, opting instead for players who can address other areas of need. Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter, Sanders' Colorado teammate and the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, are now leading candidates for Cleveland's top selection.
A domino effect on everyone
Moreover, the move also casts doubt on the possibility of acquiring Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has expressed a desire to leave but refuses to waive his no-trade clause before the 2025 NFL Draft. Cousins appears unwilling to risk sharing a locker room with his potential successor, further complicating trade scenarios.
As for Sanders, his prospects remain strong despite Cleveland's likely pivot. The Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints are among the teams that could make a play for him, with the Steelers potentially trading up to secure the young quarterback. Cousins, meanwhile, may have to accept a backup role in Atlanta or hope for a chance elsewhere, such as Pittsburgh.
For the Browns, Flacco represents a short-term solution to stabilize the team as they regroup for future seasons. While the franchise only won three games last year, the g of Flacco signals they are biding their time to make a splash in the 2026 NFL Draft, a year likely to feature a deeper quarterback pool.
Ultimately, Flacco's return brings Cleveland one step closer to finding their footing, even if it's not the immediate leap fans might have hoped for. Whether the gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear, the Browns are taking calculated steps toward rebuilding their identity.