Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is the leading choice to start Week 1 for the Cleveland Browns, according to recent insider analysis, fueling discussion over the team’s quarterback direction in 2024. The Joe Flacco Browns starting quarterback prediction has gained traction as NFL experts weigh in on Cleveland’s plans for the new season.
Why Flacco Is Poised to Lead the Browns’ Offense
A credible argument for Flacco starting comes from long-time NFL executive and current analyst Mike Tannenbaum, who believes the 40-year-old quarterback remains the team’s best veteran option. Flacco last started more than nine games in 2017 with the Baltimore Ravens and played for the Indianapolis Colts in the 2024 season, producing a 2-4 record with a 12-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a completion rate of 65.3 percent. Despite not being the long-term answer, his experience and recent playoff appearance with the Browns have made him a candidate for the starting role in a reworked Cleveland quarterback room.
This off-season, the Browns made sweeping changes at the quarterback position, retaining Flacco while signing Kenny Pickett and drafting Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Tannenbaum shared on ESPN’s “Get Up” that Flacco would be an excellent transition quarterback as the team considers developing younger talent. He further stressed that Cleveland faces a daunting start to the season, with five of their first six games against teams that reached the playoffs in 2024 and the remaining matchup being with the Cincinnati Bengals, another tough <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC contender.
“I think you start Joe Flacco — great bridge quarterback,”
—Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN Analyst
“We know how difficult this Browns schedule is to start.”
—Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN Analyst
Flacco’s status as the most seasoned quarterback in the group gives him an edge, even as Pickett brings starting experience from his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he started a dozen games in each of the last two seasons. However, Pickett’s performance has been average, posting a 79.3 passer rating and a near-even touchdown-to-interception split of 15-14 over his three-year NFL career. In contrast, Flacco’s playoff track record and steadiness under pressure make him the safe choice, at least for the opener.
Jeremy Fowler, another ESPN analyst, echoed Tannenbaum’s view, saying Flacco is strategically positioned atop the depth chart for early preseason activities and training camp.
“I expect [Flacco] to be well-positioned in that hierarchy that they set up early in camp,”
—Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Analyst
Not everyone on the panel agreed on the Browns’ strategy, though. Former NFL quarterback E.J. Manuel criticized the uncertainty surrounding Cleveland’s quarterback selection, arguing that a clear leader should already be chosen as the season approaches.
“If you’re trying to compete in this division, you need to know who your quarterback is at this point,”
—E.J. Manuel, former NFL quarterback
“You can’t go into training camp saying ‘we’re just going to roll the ball out and see who the best is in preseason.’ You need to have a pecking order, and you need to know who the leader is.”
—E.J. Manuel, former NFL quarterback
Looking Beyond Flacco: The Browns’ Long-Term Quarterback Strategy
Flacco re-entered the NFL after initially stepping away, joining the Browns late in the 2023 season. Cleveland’s decision to draft both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel indicates the franchise is preparing for life after Flacco, viewing him as a short-term solution rather than a permanent fixture at quarterback.
Both Tannenbaum and Fowler expect Sanders, selected in this year’s draft, to eventually become the Browns’ starting quarterback—possibly even during the upcoming season should Flacco falter or if the team chooses to accelerate their youth movement. Sanders’ solid physical attributes, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 212 pounds, have contributed to positive internal evaluations. Still, there is uncertainty: all the panelists noted that the Browns may continue searching for a long-term answer if the current rookies do not establish themselves as franchise quarterbacks.
“I think their future could be Shedeur Sanders,”
—Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN Analyst
“To me, Shedeur Sanders should be given a chance at some point to try to be the future.”
—Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN Analyst
The subject of quarterback uncertainty led to broader speculation about the 2026 NFL Draft. E.J. Manuel highlighted that the upcoming draft class could feature multiple potential first-round quarterbacks, raising questions about Cleveland’s choice to select two signal-callers this year and what it means for their confidence in the current roster.
“The 2026 draft, there’s a bunch of potential first-round picks. Maybe four or five guys that could be first-rounders,”
—E.J. Manuel, former NFL quarterback
“I just don’t know why you’d pick two quarterbacks in this draft.”
—E.J. Manuel, former NFL quarterback
Questions Linger as Browns Enter Pivotal 2024 Season
The debate over Joe Flacco as the Browns’ starter in Week 1 highlights both the team’s lack of a clear long-term option and the intense competition within the AFC North. With a challenging schedule ahead and several new faces in the quarterback room, the outcome will affect the futures of Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel—all of whom will be watched closely as training camp and preseason unfold. As Cleveland navigates these roster questions, decisions made in the coming months could shape the franchise’s direction for years to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Joe Flacco elite?
A. He won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens and was named the MVP of the championship game.
After that, he played for several teams as an experienced quarterback but had a hard time with the Broncos and Jets.
Q. Was Joe Flacco an MVP?
A. Joe Flacco has received several awards and honors in his 16 years playing in the NFL. He was chosen as Super Bowl MVP and is 18th in passing yards all-time.
Q. Was Joe Flacco ever MVP?
A. Joe Flacco was named the Super Bowl MVP one time. He earned this award during Super Bowl XLVII, which took place on February 3, 2013, against the 49ers.