5 Joe Flacco Career Highlights That Could Spark a Browns Comeback in 2025

Posted By: County Sports Network August 10, 2025

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is making a strong push for the Cleveland Browns’ starting job in 2025. With Deshaun Watson sidelined and the team coming off a rough 3-14 season, Flacco’s playoff pedigree, leadership, and renewed first-team reps have him right in the mix. Here’s how the 40-year-old Super Bowl MVP is proving he still has the arm — and the mindset — to lead Cleveland’s offense.

The NFL’s second-oldest quarterback entered Browns training camp low on reps behind Kenny Pickett, rookie Dillon Gabriel, and rookie Shedeur Sanders. But Pickett’s hamstring injury has opened the door for more first-team snaps, and Flacco has climbed to the top of Cleveland’s early depth chart.

After leading the Browns to a playoff berth in 2023 and winning NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Flacco was surprisingly not re-signed last season — a move that puzzled teammates like David Njoku. With Deshaun Watson likely out for all of 2025 and the team coming off a 3-14 campaign, head coach Kevin Stefanski can’t afford another lost season, making Flacco’s experience valuable in a crowded QB competition.

Despite wanting the starting job, Flacco is mentoring Gabriel and Sanders, emphasizing respect and teamwork in the quarterback room. Confident in his arm strength and mobility, the former Super Bowl MVP says he just needs the practice reps to prove he can still deliver at a high level.

Joe Flacco Browns-Focused Highlight Reel showing how his biggest career moments connect to what Cleveland hopes for in 2025:

1. Super Bowl XLVII Champion & MVP Experience

  • Why it matters for the Browns: Flacco’s been to the top of the mountain and knows how to handle the pressure of big games — something Cleveland desperately needs after decades of postseason frustration.

2. Legendary 2012 Playoff Run (11 TDs, 0 INTs)

  • Why it matters: The Browns’ roster has a playoff-caliber defense; pairing it with a quarterback who protects the ball and thrives in the postseason could be the missing link.

3. “Mile High Miracle” Comeback Drive

  • Why it matters: Cleveland has often struggled to close games. Flacco’s poise and ability to deliver clutch deep throws could turn close losses into statement wins.

4. Rookie Year Playoff Success

  • Why it matters: Shows his ability to win with a new team and adapt quickly — an encouraging sign if he needs to build chemistry fast with Cleveland’s young receivers.

5. Career-High Passing Season (4,317 Yards in 2016)

  • Why it matters: Demonstrates he can still air it out when needed, giving the Browns’ offense the versatility to stretch the field beyond the run-first game plan.

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