Kevin Stefanski reveals why Browns didn't bring back QB Joe Flacco

One of the most head-scratching moves of the offseason was the Browns deciding to sign QB Jameis Winston instead of bringing back QB Joe Flacco, who led them to the playoffs last season.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski explained Cleveland's decision on Monday.

"I think every year you have to look at your roster, look at the team and make decisions that you think are right for the football team," Stefanski told reporters. "We're really excited about Jameis. He's a talented, talented football player. I’m excited about his fit with what we're doing, but that was really the crux of it."

Stefanski didn't outright say it, but the Browns may just be looking to get younger at the position. Winston is almost 10 years younger than Flacco, who will turn 40 during the 2024 season. However, it isn't difficult to argue that the Browns made the wrong choice.

Flacco, the 2023 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, threw for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns while leading the Browns to the playoffs. Cleveland went onto lose to the Texans in the wild-card round, but it was the defense that allowed 45 points.

Winston, on the other hand, has thrown for just 1,122 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions in 10 games over the past two years. He has higher upside than Flacco as a former 5,000-yard passer in 2019, but he also threw 30 interceptions that season.

If the Browns defense returns to dominance in 2024, they don't need Winston to play hero ball. That's why Flacco worked so well. 

Of course, Winston would only see the field if QB Deshaun Watson were to get hurt again, but anything is possible since he has played in just 12 games since joining Cleveland in 2022.

Nonetheless, Stefanski is thankful for Flacco's time with the Browns and will always remember the special run they made together in 2023.

"I would just say with Joe number one, and we've talked about it last year was great getting to know him, getting him implemented into our team, what he meant, the impact he had was special," Stefanski added.