The Browns will have competition for Joe Flacco, whom they’d like to re-sign as a backup to Deshaun Watson.
The problem is that Flacco, who went 4-1 for the Browns last season to help them clinch only their third playoff berth in the new era, will have some opportunities to at least compete for the starting job, which is what he wants after riding the couch for the first 10 weeks of last season.
Flacco is set to hit free agency after a successful stint with the Browns. Flacco was signed by the Browns on November 20 and went 4-1 in his regular season starts. He passed for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns. Flacco, who recently turned 39 years old, proved he has more left in the tank and other teams are taking notice.
Among the teams expected to show interest in Flacco are the New England Patriots, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is now in the same position with the Patriots and has a relationship with Flacco.
“I’m hearing the Patriots are interested in possibly signing Flacco as a bridge starter to help mentor a rookie quarterback if they select one at No. 3 overall, such as North Carolina’s Drake Maye,” Cabot said on February 29. “Former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt — now in that role in New England — is helping to lead the charge on the quarterback search, and knows as well as anyone that Flacco has plenty left in the tank even though he turned 39 on Jan. 16.”
As noted by Cabot, the Patriots are eyeing a potential franchise quarterback with their No. 3 overall pick. Mac Jones — the No. 15 overall pick in 2021 — has one year left on his rookie contract. He is likely out as the starter in New England.
