Browns to sign former Ravens Super Bowl QB on Monday?

Amid a quarterback crisis fostered by the season-ending injury suffered by starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns brought in former Baltimore Ravens legend and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Flacco for a workout before the weekend.

Ian Rapoport of ESPN first reported the news in the early morning of Friday, noting how the veteran has always kept in mind making a return to the field at some point throughout the 2023 season.

The move comes as the Browns face an emergency situation in their quarterback room, especially with Deshaun Watson ruled out for the season due to a shoulder fracture and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson set to start at least one more game after he did earlier this season, including against the Ravens, to massively putrid outcomes.

The freshman is set to start against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11, but the Browns are actively seeking a third quarterback to fill a room that now includes DTR and PJ Walker.

Flacco, with a career that includes passing for 42,320 yards and 232 touchdowns, won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, earning the Super Bowl MVP title on his way to getting that ever-elusive chip.

At 38 years old, Flacco last played for the New York Jets in the 2022 season, notably leading a comeback against the Browns (of all teams) in Week 2. He made four starts last season for the Jets, and he was interested in the vacant QB1 position of the franchise earlier this year when Aaron Rodgers went down injured with a torn Achilles in Week 1.

Despite his interest in returning to the Jets, Gang Green decided to stick with their existing quarterbacks, most prominently young Zach Wilson in which they keep believing for some reason.

Flacco told Jamison Hensley of ESPN at the start of ESPN that he remained positive about his situation, stating, "I’m hoping that there’s the silver lining that I’m not anywhere right now and that I can be available to anybody."

A Ravens first-round draft pick in 2008, Flacco spent 11 seasons as the starter for the Flock before a brief stint with the Denver Broncos and three seasons with the Jets starting in 2019. Earlier this season, Flacco made his availability clear: "I can still play," he told Hensley.

At the time of this writing and per reports, Flacco is the sole quarterback in consideration for the Browns and the only passer they have worked out ahead of next week. It's believed the Browns hope to add Flacco to their practice squad by Monday and probably start him in Week 12 for the first time.

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