Browns Predicted to Challenge Deshaun Watson With Old Starting QB in ‘Bold Move
The Cleveland Browns may not need Deshaun Watson to be great for the team to succeed in 2024. In fact, they may not need Watson to be anything at all.
Two quarterbacks not named Watson have each had a better run with the franchise over the last two years, respectively — Jacoby Brissett in 2022 and Joe Flacco in 2023. On Friday, February 23, Aaron Schatz of ESPN suggested a “bold move,” in which Cleveland signs one — if not both — to compete for the starting job with Watson this offseason.
In 2022, Brissett had a 62.0 QBR while Watson had 40.4 QBR. Then last season, [Flacco] had 48.3 QBR while Watson was below him at 42.9 QBR.
The Browns need to bring in competition and a backup plan in case Watson starts off 2024 playing subpar football again.
Flacco has expressed a desire to continue his career despite his age (39), and Browns fans would be happy to see him back. Brissett’s 2022 numbers stand out when we look at his career, but the
Browns might as well sign him to a cheaper deal and see if they can make the magic happen again. Any of these options would at least protect the Browns and keep them from wasting another strong defense with bad play from Watson.
Browns Remain Committed to Deshaun Watson as Starter in 2024
GettyQuarterback Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns.
Despite Flacco’s late-season heroics, in which he led the team to a 4-1 record on the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs by averaging well over 300 passing yards per contest, head coach Kevin Stefanski was quick to name Watson the team’s starter heading into the offseason.
