Joe Flacco Returns to Cleveland with New One-Year Contract

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has reached a one-year, $4 million contract agreement with the Cleveland Browns, his agent Joe Linta confirmed on Friday. The deal includes incentives that could raise the total value to $13 million.

Flacco’s return to Cleveland comes after a notable 2023 season where he earned the NFL‘s Comeback Player of the Year award. Following Deshaun Watson‘s season-ending shoulder injury last year, Flacco stepped in to lead the Browns to a 4-1 record in the final five games, a performance that revitalized his career.

Now, Flacco joins a quarterback room that includes a rehabbing player, whose right Achilles tendon injury may keep him sidelined for most or all of the 2025 season, and a recently acquired quarterback who anticipates a shot at the starting position.

The Browns have been actively searching for quarterback assistance this offseason, especially after utilizing four different quarterbacks in the previous season. They opted not to re-sign last year’s backup and traded for a new player, sending a fifth-round pick and a quarterback to secure the deal.

The Browns currently hold the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, having met with several top quarterback prospects. However, co-owner Jimmy Haslam indicated that the team would not feel pressured to select a quarterback with their first pick.

At one point, Flacco’s future in the league appeared uncertain, as he remained unsigned for most of the 2023 season. His subsequent signing with the Browns, however, revived his career after he produced a series of impressive performances, including four consecutive wins with over 300 passing yards.

Flacco continued to demonstrate his capability in 2024, despite facing ups and downs throughout the season. He recorded a notable 359-yard game early in the season, but a series of interceptions led to a shift back to the previous starter midway through the season. Under his leadership, the Colts finished with a 2-4 record. Over that season, Flacco amassed 1,761 passing yards, with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Flacco has accumulated 45,697 yards, 257 touchdowns, and 162 interceptions over his 17-year career. He notably secured the MVP title during Super Bowl XLVII, where he led the Ravens to victory against the San Francisco 49ers.

ESPN’s Stephen Holder contributed to this report.