The Cleveland Browns have named Joe Flacco their starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
The 40-year-old veteran won the job largely because he was the healthiest quarterback in camp among the group and because of his NFL experience and prior success with Cleveland in 2023. Flacco will lead a team in transition through a challenging early-season schedule, with the opener set for Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Flacco grew more comfortable over the past two weeks, taking nearly all the repetitions with the No. 1 offense. He did not play in the first two preseason games but logged significant time in joint practices against the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles, helping him settle into the Browns’ first-unit rhythm.
“I’m not trying to look into (the reps count) too much,” Flacco said earlier in camp. “When you get a little more action, you start to feel like yourself. You get in the groove and you calm down a little bit. It’s human nature. You’re not going to be as good if you feel like every rep has to be perfect. Let it loose and it just feels right.”
This decision comes as the Browns weighed their options at quarterback, with rookie Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the mix and fellow veteran option Kenny Pickett (who has been limited by hamstring issues) unavailable for much of camp. The team believes Flacco’s leadership and familiarity with the system will provide stability as Cleveland navigates early-season tests after a weathered 2023.
Flacco’s connection to the Browns dates back to 2023 when he joined the team midseason and, in a stretch of four straight wins, helped Cleveland clinch a playoff berth. During that run, he became the first Browns quarterback to throw for 300 yards in four consecutive games. The Browns did not extend a 2024 contract offer as the team remained committed to Deshaun Watson, but with Watson sidelined by injury, Cleveland is turning the page and returning to Flacco for 2025.
For added context, Mike Sando’s 2025 QB Tiers ranked Flacco with the Browns in Tier 4, at No. 31, reflecting a recognition of his age and leadership against rising young talent.
Stefanski, reflecting on Flacco’s role, praised his consistency and leadership. “Joe is the same guy he was in 2023, and he’s the same guy every day,” the Browns coach said. “He’s done a really nice job in camp, and he’s provided leadership to the quarterback room, the offense and the football team.”
As Cleveland prepares for the season opener, Flacco’s task is clear: bring stability, leadership and efficient game management to a Browns offense aiming to maximize its strengths and navigate a demanding early schedule with a trusted presence under center.
Summary: Joe Flacco has been named the Browns’ starting quarterback for 2025, bringing veteran experience, leadership, and a proven late-2023 run to a team seeking stability amid a transitional year. The move positions the Browns to start the season with a seasoned quarterback as they face an early schedule that could define their year. Potential positives include Flacco’s familiarity with the system and his ability to mentor younger quarterbacks, while risks involve age and the need for a sustained performance to steady the offense.