Who Should I Start? Joe Flacco or Deshaun Watson

Wednesday, March 13, 7:42 PM

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback and NFL Comeback Player of the Year winner Joe Flacco reached an agreement with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday on a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million, including $4.5 million guaranteed, according to sources. Flacco came off his couch to unexpectedly lead the Browns to the postseason in 2023, ultimately finishing with 1,616 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions in five starts during the regular season. The 39-year-old veteran will now head to Indy to replace Gardner Minshew as the primary backup for young signal-caller Anthony Richardson, who saw his rookie season come to an end early last year due to a shoulder injury. Given Richardson's propensity to run with the ball, another injury in 2024 could force Flacco back into the spotlight.

Monday, May 6, 4:54 PM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) has had well-documented struggles since being traded from the Houston Texans ahead of the 2022 season. He's appeared in just 12 games over the last two years, completing just under 60% of his passes for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Those stats are far from his days of MVP contention with Houston, but Browns general manager Andrew Berry remains confident. "Obviously, he's been rehabbing the shoulder injury, but he is well on his way there and in a really strong spot," Berry said. "We do expect to hit the ground running on that side of the ball, and I know he is very excited about returning to the playing field and getting over this injury. We have high expectations for him and the offense this season." Watson missed Week 4, 6, and 8 last season and played just a handful of snaps in Week 7 before returning in Week 9. He was then placed on season-ending Injured Reserve ahead of Week 11. A combination of poor play and injuries has put a bleak outlook on his career, and 2024 could be his last chance to prove he belongs as a starter in Cleveland. All that said, backup quarterback Jameis Winston is an intriguing stash option in Superflex and dynasty leagues.