Kevin Stefanski Explains Browns Decision To Not Re-Sign Joe Flacco

After captivating fans with a magical five game run at the end of the regular season, Joe Flacco will not be back with the Browns in 2024. Head coach Kevin Stefanski provided some insight into the decision to cut ties with the veteran.

The Joe Flacco era in Cleveland was a short one, but its one Browns fans won't soon forget.

After leading the Browns to a 4-1 record down the home stretch of the season and helping the team clinch a playoff berth for the second time in four years, many fans hoped Flacco would be back with the franchise in 2024. The organization went a different route though and instead opted for signing Jameis Winston to a one-year deal to serve as their primary backup to Deshaun Watson.

On Monday, at the annual league meetings in Orlando, Stefanski provided some insight into why Cleveland decided to go in a different direction with their backup QB role. According to the Browns head man, it boiled down to doing what's best for the team.

"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 said. "We’re really excited about Jameis. He’s a talented, young player. I’m excited about his fit with what we’re doing, but that was really the crux of it.”

As Stefanski eluded to, Winston represented both a younger backup option and a better scheme fit for the offense they are building with new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. Winston also appealed to the organization because he had a preexisting relationship with Watson.

Even though the thought process behind adding Winston is sound, after signing a one-year deal of his own with the Colts last week, Flacco told reporters he was "a little bit surprised" to not be back with the Browns. Even more surprising, perhaps, is the fact that the Comeback Player of the Year didn't even receive and offer from Cleveland.

With the two sides headed in different directions, Stefanski did express gratitude for the 16-year veteran's contributions in 2023.

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