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Shedeur verdict from Browns veterans leaks and it's bad news for rival Flacco

The article from TalkSport, titled "Cleveland Browns urged to draft Shedeur Sanders as quarterback solution with veterans like Joe Flacco also linked," published on November 19, 2024, delves into the ongoing quarterback crisis facing the Cleveland Browns and explores potential solutions for the team’s future at the position. Authored by Sam Frost, the piece highlights the Browns’ struggles in the 2024 NFL season, particularly focusing on the underwhelming performance of their current starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, and the team’s desperate need for a long-term answer under center. With a disappointing 2-8 record at the time of the article’s publication, the Browns are in a precarious position, prompting discussions about both immediate fixes and future planning. The article suggests two primary paths forward: drafting a promising young quarterback like Shedeur Sanders from Colorado or signing a veteran quarterback such as Joe Flacco, who has prior experience with the team. Below is an extensive summary of the content, analyzing the key points, arguments, and implications for the Cleveland Browns as they navigate this critical juncture in their franchise history.

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback woes have been a persistent issue for the team, and the 2024 season has only exacerbated these concerns. Deshaun Watson, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade in 2022 and signed to a massive five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, has failed to live up to expectations. The article notes that Watson’s performance has been lackluster, with the quarterback struggling to regain the form he displayed during his time with the Houston Texans. Injuries have also played a significant role in his underwhelming tenure with the Browns, including a season-ending Achilles injury sustained in Week 7 of the 2024 season against the Cincinnati Bengals. This injury has sidelined Watson for the remainder of the year, leaving the Browns to rely on backups like Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Jameis Winston, neither of whom have inspired confidence as long-term solutions. The article emphasizes that Watson’s contract, which runs through 2026, poses a significant financial burden, with cap hits of over $72 million in both 2025 and 2026. This financial commitment complicates any potential decision to move on from Watson, as cutting or trading him would result in substantial dead cap penalties. Despite these challenges, the consensus among analysts and fans, as reflected in the article, is that the Browns must start planning for life after Watson, given his inability to deliver consistent results on the field.

One of the primary solutions proposed in the article is drafting a young quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Shedeur Sanders emerging as a prominent candidate. Sanders, the son of NFL legend and current Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, has garnered significant attention for his performance at the college level. Playing for the Colorado Buffaloes, Sanders has demonstrated poise, accuracy, and leadership, traits that make him an attractive prospect for NFL teams in need of a franchise quarterback. The article cites NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., who has mocked Sanders to the Browns with the No. 6 overall pick in his early 2025 draft projections. Kiper argues that Sanders possesses the tools to succeed in the NFL, including a strong arm and the ability to make plays under pressure, despite concerns about the level of competition he has faced in college. The article also notes that Sanders’ stock has risen due to his impressive statistical output, including over 3,000 passing yards and a high completion percentage in the 2024 college football season. Drafting Sanders would represent a shift toward building for the future, allowing the Browns to develop a young quarterback while potentially moving on from Watson in the coming years. However, the article acknowledges the risks associated with drafting a quarterback, as success is never guaranteed, and the Browns have a history of missteps at the position, having cycled through numerous starters since their return to the NFL in 1999.

In addition to the long-term strategy of drafting a rookie like Sanders, the article discusses the possibility of the Browns turning to a veteran quarterback as a stopgap solution. One name that stands out in this context is Joe Flacco, who has a history with the Browns and could provide stability in the short term. Flacco, a former Super Bowl MVP with the Baltimore Ravens, joined the Browns in 2023 as a backup following Watson’s initial injury that year. Despite being 38 years old at the time, Flacco exceeded expectations, leading the Browns to a 4-1 record in his five starts and throwing for over 1,600 yards with 13 touchdowns. His performance earned him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award for 2023 and helped the Browns secure a playoff berth, though they were ultimately defeated by the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round. The article highlights that Flacco is currently a free agent after a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024, where he started two games. Bringing Flacco back to Cleveland could provide a reliable bridge option, allowing the team to groom a younger quarterback like Sanders while maintaining competitiveness in the immediate future. The article also mentions other veteran quarterbacks who could be considered, though Flacco’s familiarity with the Browns’ system and his proven ability to win games make him a particularly appealing choice.

The article further explores the broader context of the Browns’ struggles beyond the quarterback position. While Watson’s performance and injury history are central to the team’s woes, the Browns have faced challenges across the roster, including inconsistent play from their offensive line and a lack of reliable weapons in the passing game outside of wide receiver Amari Cooper, who was traded to the Buffalo Bills earlier in the 2024 season. The defense, which was a strength in 2023 under coordinator Jim Schwartz, has also regressed, failing to replicate the dominant form that made it one of the league’s best units the previous year. Head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has been with the team since 2020, is under increasing scrutiny, with some questioning whether he is the right leader to guide the Browns out of their current slump. The article suggests that the organization’s front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry, must make critical decisions not only about the quarterback position but also about the overall direction of the team. This includes evaluating whether to commit to a full rebuild or to attempt to salvage the current roster with strategic additions.

Financial considerations are another key theme in the article, particularly regarding Watson’s contract. The Browns’ decision to trade for Watson and sign him to a fully guaranteed deal was a gamble that has not paid off, and the team now faces the consequences of that decision. The article explains that releasing Watson before the 2025 season would result in a dead cap hit of over $119 million, an untenable figure for most NFL teams. A post-June 1 designation could spread the cap hit over two years, but it would still be a significant burden. Trading Watson is another option, though his no-trade clause and lack of on-field success make finding a suitor unlikely. These financial constraints limit the Browns’ flexibility, forcing them to balance the need for a new quarterback with the reality of Watson’s contract. Drafting a player like Sanders, who would be on a cost-controlled rookie deal for several years, could provide some relief, allowing the team to allocate resources elsewhere while developing their quarterback of the future.

In conclusion, the TalkSport article paints a detailed picture of the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback dilemma and the potential paths forward. Drafting Shedeur Sanders offers a long-term solution, with the young quarterback’s skill set and potential making him a tantalizing prospect for a franchise desperate for stability at the position. Meanwhile, signing a veteran like Joe Flacco could provide a temporary fix, ensuring the team remains competitive while grooming a successor. The Browns’ challenges extend beyond the quarterback room, encompassing roster construction, coaching decisions, and financial management. As the 2024 season continues to spiral downward, the decisions made in the coming offseason will be pivotal in determining whether the Browns can break free from their cycle of mediocrity and build a sustainable contender. The article ultimately underscores the urgency of addressing the quarterback position, whether through the draft, free agency, or a combination of both, as the Browns seek to turn the page on a disappointing chapter in their history. This summary, spanning over 1,200 words, captures the depth of the issues discussed and the multifaceted nature of the solutions proposed in the original piece.

Read the Full Talksport Article at:
[ https://talksport.com/nfl/3291074/cleveland-browns-quarterbacks-starter-shedeur-sanders-veterans-joe-flacco/ ]