Joe Flacco Officially Named Cleveland Browns Starting Quarterback For Week 1: A Veteran’s Return To The Spotlight

The Cleveland Browns have officially ended weeks of speculation surrounding their quarterback competition, and the answer is a familiar name. On Monday, head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry confirmed that veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will be the team’s starter in Week 1 when the Browns host the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7.

The decision provides clarity for a franchise that has been forced to navigate another turbulent offseason at the quarterback position following the devastating injury to Deshaun Watson, who is expected to miss the entire 2025 season after re-rupturing his Achilles tendon.

While multiple candidates were in contention—including Shedeur Sanders, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel—Flacco’s combination of experience, poise, and past success in Cleveland ultimately set him apart.

A Battle That Was Over Before It Began

The Browns’ quarterback competition was technically a four-way battle throughout training camp, with Flacco, Pickett, Sanders, and Gabriel all getting snaps with the first and second units. Former backup Tyler Huntley was also in the mix, though primarily as depth.

Despite the presence of young challengers and the intrigue around Sanders, the highly touted rookie son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Flacco entered camp as the frontrunner. Reports from beat writers consistently noted that the 39-year-old veteran looked sharp in Stefanski’s system and showed a level of command that the others could not match.

Unofficial depth charts throughout the preseason consistently listed Flacco as QB1, followed by Pickett as QB2, with Gabriel, Sanders, Huntley, and Watson grouped at QB3.

It was never truly in doubt.

Flacco’s History With The Browns

This isn’t Flacco’s first stint with the Browns. In 2023, he joined Cleveland late in the season after Watson suffered his first major injury, and the veteran wasted no time reminding the league of his capability. Flacco went 4-0 in December, delivering four consecutive 300-yard passing games and guiding the Browns to the postseason in Stefanski’s offense.

Although the Browns eventually fell short in the playoffs, Flacco’s leadership and professionalism left a strong impression within the organization. Many inside the building believed that if Watson had not been signed to a long-term megadeal, Flacco could have remained the starter moving forward.

Fast forward to 2025, and the door opened once again. This time, the Browns weren’t going to hesitate.

Deshaun Watson’s Setback Changes Everything

The Browns had initially entered the offseason expecting Watson to make a full recovery from his Achilles tear. Instead, disaster struck again. In June, Watson suffered a re-rupture of the same Achilles tendon while rehabbing, effectively ruling him out for the 2025 season.

The setback forced the front office to act quickly. Within weeks, Cleveland signed Flacco to another one-year deal, traded for former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, and selected both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the draft.

“We wanted to make sure we had stability and competition at the position,” GM Andrew Berry explained. “With Deshaun’s situation, we knew we couldn’t take any chances. Bringing back Joe was a priority for us because of the trust he’s earned here.”

Shedeur Sanders’ Growing Pains

While Sanders entered training camp as one of the most exciting young prospects on the roster, he also became a lightning rod for attention. His dynamic personality and social media presence made him a fan favorite, but his inexperience was evident on the field.

Flacco himself appeared to throw subtle shade at Sanders during camp, particularly when addressing questions about focus and preparation. When asked about the difference between veterans and rookies, Flacco reportedly remarked: “We’re not here to do TikTok dances. We’re here to win football games.”

Though the comment wasn’t directed at Sanders by name, many connected the dots.

Sanders’ raw talent is undeniable, but his adjustment to NFL speed, defensive disguises, and complex play-calling remains a work in progress. For now, he will continue to develop behind Flacco and Pickett.

Kenny Pickett’s Role

The addition of Kenny Pickett via trade earlier this offseason provided Cleveland with another option. The former Steelers starter showed flashes of potential during his time in Pittsburgh, but inconsistency plagued him.

Throughout camp, Pickett performed well enough to secure the QB2 role, but he never threatened Flacco’s grasp on the starting job. His development remains important to the Browns, especially as the team considers long-term solutions beyond Flacco’s one-year stint.

Why Flacco Was The Easy Choice

Several factors contributed to the Browns’ decision to officially name Flacco the starter:

Experience – Flacco spent 11 seasons as the Baltimore Ravens’ starting quarterback, guiding them to a Super Bowl victory in 2012 and earning Super Bowl MVP honors. His veteran savvy is invaluable to a young roster.

Proven Success In Stefanski’s System – Flacco thrived in the Browns’ offense just two years ago, showing mastery of the scheme and producing at a high level in critical games.

Leadership & Professionalism – Coaches and teammates alike have praised Flacco’s calm demeanor and work ethic. In a locker room that has endured turbulence, his steady hand is essential.

Continuity – With so much change at the quarterback position over the past few years, the Browns needed stability. Flacco provides a sense of continuity in an otherwise uncertain situation.

Looking Ahead To Week 1

The Browns will open their season on September 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, their AFC North rivals. It’s a fitting matchup for Flacco, who spent the majority of his career battling the Bengals twice per season as a member of the Ravens.

At age 39, Flacco will not be expected to carry the team on his own. Instead, the Browns will rely on their elite defense, anchored by Myles Garrett, and a strong running game led by Nick Chubb. Flacco’s role will be to manage the offense, make smart decisions, and provide big plays when needed.

If his 2023 performance was any indication, he still has plenty left in the tank.

The Bigger Picture

For the Browns, this decision is about more than just Week 1. It’s about salvaging a season that could have easily spiraled out of control after Watson’s latest setback. By turning to Flacco, Cleveland is betting on stability, experience, and leadership over raw talent.

The move also buys time for Sanders and Gabriel to develop, while giving Pickett an opportunity to reset his career as a reliable backup.

“Joe earned this,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said in Monday’s press conference. “He’s been everything you could ask for in a leader, in a teammate, and in a quarterback. He gives us the best chance to win right now.”

Conclusion

The Cleveland Browns have had their share of quarterback controversies and disappointments over the years, but with Joe Flacco under center, they are choosing familiarity, reliability, and leadership.

It remains to be seen how long Flacco will hold the starting job—especially with younger quarterbacks waiting in the wings—but for now, he is the man tasked with leading the Browns into one of the most pivotal seasons in recent franchise history.

As Week 1 approaches, Cleveland fans can take comfort in knowing that their quarterback situation is no longer a mystery. The veteran who once tormented them as a Raven will now lead them as a Brown, hoping to script one final memorable chapter in his storied career.