Cleveland Browns Appoint Veteran Joe Flacco as Starting Quarterback for 2025 Season | NFL News Times of India

The Cleveland Browns have officially named 40-year-old Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback for the 2025 NFL season. After an intense preseason competition with Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and Tyler Huntley, Flacco’s experience and understanding of the Browns’ offense set him apart as the clear winner.

Flacco’s selection for the QB1 role is not surprising since he frequently topped the Browns’ unofficial depth charts throughout the preseason. Other potential contenders faced setbacks – Pickett missed time due to a hamstring injury, and Sanders was sidelined by an oblique issue. Therefore, Flacco remained the steady choice for the primary position.

His extensive NFL experience, including 11 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and a Super Bowl victory, also brings specialist knowledge of coach Kevin Stefanski’s system to the table. Flacco returned to Cleveland in 2023, replacing an injured Deshaun Watson, and led the Browns to the playoffs, securing the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Browns have QBs Pickett, Gabriel, Sanders, Huntley, and Watson under contract, with Flacco securing the starter’s role. With Flacco’s leadership and consistent preseason performance, he now stands as the Browns’ undisputed QB1.

His preseason debut against the Los Angeles Rams is expected to demonstrate his command of the offense and ability to set the tone for the regular season. The Browns enter the 2025 season with stability in their quarterback position, giving them a strong foundation for a successful AFC North campaign.