Joe Flacco DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

While the Cleveland Browns haven't made any announcements on their quarterback competition, The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that 18-year veteran Joe Flacco should be well ahead of rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, and he's also probably ahead of Kenny Pickett. Flacco throws the ball better than the others in a practice setting, and his overall experience makes him the clear favorite to win the job. It's possible that Pickett will outplay Flacco in the coming months, though. Flacco and Pickett alternated turns with the No. 1 offense in practice at OTAs on Wednesday, with Gabriel out-repping Sanders in the second OTA practice. Jackson thinks it's almost a certainty that the QB battle is between Flacco and Pickett. Although Flacco had a nice little run with Cleveland at the end of 2023, he'll be a low-end QB2 option in two-QB fantasy leagues if he wins the starting gig over Pickett this year.

According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, Kenny Pickett or Joe Flacco could be traded this summer, depending on how things go with the Cleveland Browns quarterback competition during the offseason. Cleveland notably selected Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in Round 3 and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in Round 5 of the 2025 NFL Draft. While Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is not likely to be a factor in 2025, the additions of the rookies create a crowded position room. Jackson noted that Pickett's has $2.63 million that his "essentially" guaranteed by Cleveland, which could suggest Flacco is more likely to be dealt. The Browns are likely looking at picking a first-round quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, so seeing what Gabriel and Sanders can do is a top priority rather than winning a few more games with one of the established veterans.

The Cleveland Browns have signed free-agent quarterback Joe Flacco on Friday. They've agreed on a one-year, $4 million contract, including incentives that could earn up to $13 million for the upcoming season. The 40-year-old threw for 1,761 passing yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions with the Indianapolis Colts last season. Before that, Flacco went 4-1 with the Browns while throwing for 1,616 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions during the 2023 campaign. The Browns already have Kenny Pickett and the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. That being said, it's unclear where Flacco is going to fall on the depth chart once the season begins. For now, Flacco is looked upon as a veteran presence who might still have a little bit left in the tank on the football field.