Browns QB Joe Flacco off practice squad, signed to 53-man roster

Field Level Media|published: Thu 14th December, 14:33 2023

Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns Stadium. credits: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Flacco now is officially a member of the Cleveland Browns.

Flacco had been on the team's practice squad and elevated for the past three games, but the veteran quarterback signed a one-year deal with the Browns on Thursday, agency JL Sports announced. That puts him on the 53-man roster.

No terms were disclosed.

On Monday, head coach Kevin Stefanski named Flacco the starter for the remainder of the season, a day after the veteran threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday as the Browns edged the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-27.

He replaces Deshaun Watson, who is out for the season following shoulder surgery, and Watson's fill-in, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

Flacco is 1-1 as the Browns' starter, losing Dec. 3 to the Los Angeles Rams. In that game, he completed 23 of 44 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. He has been intercepted once each week.

Now in his 16th season, Flacco, the MVP of the Super Bowl for the Baltimore Ravens following the 2012 season, was out of work until the Browns came calling following the Watson injury. Sunday's win was the 100th regular-season victory of his career.

The Browns (8-5) host the Chicago Bears (5-8) on Sunday.

—Field Level Media