The Cleveland Browns have too many quarterbacks.
The New Orleans Saints need a quarterback.
Let’s make a deal!
That’s what The Sporting News’ Daniel Mader suggested on Saturday after news of Derek Carr’s retirement.
Which of the Browns QBs should they trade to New Orleans? Mader writes it should be Joe Flacco.
Here’s the full logic:
Here’s another older quarterback that doesn’t have a long-term future with his current team. Joe Flacco signed a one-year deal with the Browns earlier in the offseason, but that was before Cleveland went on a quarterback binge by trading for Kenny Pickett, then drafting both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
It’s extremely likely that one of those four passers is released at some point this summer. Gabriel and Sanders are probably safer, considering they’re rookies that the team will want to assess over time. Pickett could certainly be the victim of the crowded room, but he also brings some long-term intrigue, having had some time to learn on the Super Bowl champion Eagles’ roster.
Despite his successful first stint with the Browns a few years back, Flacco could be the odd man out at 40. If so, the Saints could show some interest. He’s another elder quarterback that would be a guiding voice on a rebuilding team, while also still being capable of helping New Orleans win a few games in 2025.
Compared to Rodgers and Cousins, Flacco also shouldn’t be too expensive. He’s on the verge of retirement and has been a journeyman for around six years now, but the New Orleans could use his many years of NFL experience.
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Flacco would certainly just be a bridge for the Saints, but he’s a solid option in relation to what they have.
New Orleans could currently choose rookie Tyler Shough, second-year Spencer Rattler or third-year Jake Haener to start.
Flacco would provide a necessary contrast, at minimum a mentor and at best a plug-and-play option.
It sounds pretty much like a win-win for the Saints and Browns.
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