The Browns’ quarterback competition is officially over. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has named Joe Flacco the starter for Week 1 when Cleveland opens the season at home against the Bengals on September 7.
Flacco has spent the offseason, training camp, and preseason putting himself in position for this moment. He treated camp like a pro — same approach he’s carried throughout his career — stacking good days on the practice field, drilling down on the details, and focusing on being the best version of himself every rep, whether it was in 7-on-7s or full 11-on-11 work.
All camp long, Flacco took the bulk of his snaps with the first-team offense, working alongside the other starters and veterans. Even in joint practices with the Panthers and Eagles, he was the first QB up against their top defensive units. While he didn’t play in the first two preseason games, Stefanski made it clear the final week of preseason would serve as the team’s “dress rehearsal,” and that’s when he wanted a starter in place for Week 1 prep.
Flacco himself said on August 13, “The last couple of weeks, honestly, it’s been pretty good for me. I’ve gotten to get more reps and get comfortable and feel like I’m doing things at a pretty high level.”
Now entering his 18th NFL season, Flacco brings exactly the kind of veteran presence the Browns are counting on. Fans remember the spark he provided back in 2023 when he stepped in late, started five straight games, and led Cleveland to a 4-1 record — capped off by a Thursday night win over the Jets that clinched a playoff berth.
The Browns re-signed him this past April to bolster a revamped QB room, banking on his experience, steady pocket passing, and the kind of leadership that comes with a Super Bowl ring.
Stefanski praised Flacco’s consistency both on and off the field, saying on August 13, *“*Joe’s the same guy that he was then. He’s the same guy every single day. I think that’s one of the things you admire about Joe — how he approaches his business. He’s done a really nice job in camp, providing leadership to the quarterback room, the offense, and the team.”
Week 1 is just around the corner, and it’ll be Joe Flacco under center to set the tone for the Browns’ 2025 season.
