Ravens Rival Browns to Replace QB Deshawn Watson?
The AFC North proved to be a powerhouse division last season with the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers all making the playoffs and the Cincinnati Bengals just missing out.
The Steelers and Browns accomplished that with backup quarterbacks while Bengals starter Joe Burrow was also lost for the season.
Cleveland found success with former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, as starter Deshaun Watson experienced another season-ending injury.
ESPN just offered their “bold moves” for each team and thinks the Browns should bring in someone to offer competition for Watson in the offseason.
“It’s pretty simple: The Watson trade has not worked out. The Browns’ offense has been much, much better with other quarterbacks over the past two seasons. In 2022, Brissett had a 62.0 QBR while Watson had 40.4 QBR. Then last season, Joe 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. They can go one of two ways with this: Use a second- or third-round pick on a young quarterback and let that player compete with Watson in camp, or bring back one of the veteran quarterbacks they’ve already had success with.”
Could Flacco be the answer for the Browns either as that competition for Watson or as the outright starter at age 39?
“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.”
