General manager of the Cleveland Browns Andrew Berry stated that he would “absolutely love” to see quarterback Joe Flacco return and anticipates having running back Nick Chubb on the roster for the upcoming campaign.
“There are limitations, but I want to bring back all of our good players,” Berry stated on Monday.
Following starting quarterback Deshaun Watson’s season-ending right shoulder injury, 39-year-old Flacco signed with Cleveland on November 20. Flacco, the team’s fourth quarterback to open the season, helped the Browns to a four-game winning streak and the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs. The Browns suffered a 45-14 first-round loss to the Houston Texans.
The Browns are hoping that Watson will be cleared to play after surgery on his throwing shoulder this spring since Flacco will once again be a free agent. Berry, meanwhile, wouldn’t completely rule out Flacco’s resignation in order to support Watson.
Berry remarked, “Joe, he played winning football for us.” “He performed admirably, stepping in and delivering a truly excellent performance. The backup quarterback position is actually among the top 30 on the team, in my opinion.”
But Berry also likened Flacco’s circumstances to quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s from the previous season. In2022, Brissett made 11 starts for Cleveland, and Watson was suspended for breaking the NFL’s personal conduct policy after over two dozen women accused him of inappropriate behavior and sexual assault during massages. After Watson reclaimed the #1 spot on the depth chart, Brissett signed with the Washington Commanders after finally leaving Cleveland.
Additionally, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson is returning for the Browns. This season, the fifth-round selection started three games in Watson’s absence due to injury.
Berry declared, “[Flacco] is a good quarterback.” “However, it truly depends on the price and availability.”
Chubb, who sustained a season-ending left knee injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, was also commended by Berry. In late September, Chubb had surgery to repair the meniscus, medial capsule, and MCL. In November, he had another procedure to repair the ACL. Chubb had his injured knee rebuilt in 2015 after injuring his MCL, PCL, and LCL while playing at Georgia.
In his six seasons with the Browns, Chubb has gained 6,511 yards and 48 touchdowns via the run. However, the 2021 agreement he signed has no remaining guaranteed money. However, Berry stated that Chubb is expected to return to the Browns in 2024.
Berry stated, “That carry in Pittsburgh was not the last time he carried the ball for the Cleveland Browns; nobody in the organization wants that to happen.” “Obviously, there are issues that need to be resolved, but we wouldn’t plan to move on from Chubb.”
