NFL News: Browns QB Joe Flacco sends bold warning to HC Kevin Stefanski before the draft

Joe Flacco is back with the Cleveland Browns, and despite being 40 years old, he’s shown he wants to stay active for the 2025 NFL season. His words deserve attention from head coach Kevin Stefanski ahead of the draft, where the AFC North franchise could be ready to select a long-term quarterback.

Flacco returned to the Browns in early April with a one-year, $4 million contract, after a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024. Deshaun Watson’s injury has opened the door for him to have the chance to play in the upcoming season.

Stefanski and the Browns will have the second overall pick in the first round of the draft, so they are expected to bring in a potential star at the quarterback position. That scenario would create competition for Flacco, who didn’t miss the chance to send a message to his team.

Flacco’s warning to Stefanski before the NFL draft

“I’ve gotten that question — players ask a lot. You know, ‘why are you still doing this?’. And what eventually came to me is, I want to. I want to play. I think it’s easy to. It’d be easy to say, ‘all right, I’ve done enough,’ but I made a decision that I’m going to do this. And I feel like once I made that decision, in my mind, then I didn’t give myself an out, and I want to play, and I’m going to play until I can’t,” Flacco warned to Stefanski at a press conference.

Joe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns walks off the field after the AFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

Flacco’s return to the Browns

During his time with Cleveland in 2023, Flacco started five games, leading the team to the playoffs and showcasing strong performance. His return comes at a time of uncertainty at the quarterback position, with Watson struggling to regain his form.

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NFL News: Joe Flacco reveals Kevin Stefanski’s admission about Browns QB competition with Kenny Pickett

The Browns do not have a clear starting quarterback for the 2025 season. In addition to Flacco’s return, Cleveland has brought in Kenny Pickett and is also expected to add a leader in the draft. However, the veteran player expressed his motivation to keep playing and his willingness to compete for the starting position, without any pre-set expectations.