The Cleveland Browns' Tough Decision on Quarterbacks
Introduction
The Cleveland Browns have a big decision to make regarding their quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. With Joe Flacco clearly established as the starter, the question remains whether the Browns will keep four quarterbacks on the roster or not.
Key Details
The Browns have a history of keeping multiple quarterbacks on their roster, with the belief that depth at the position is crucial. However, with the emergence of rookie quarterback, Drew Lock, and the solid play of backup Kevin Hogan, the Browns have a tough decision to make. Keeping four quarterbacks would limit the number of players at other positions, while only keeping three would leave them vulnerable if Flacco were to get injured.
Despite Flacco's status as the clear starter, he has dealt with injury concerns in the past, making the decision to keep four quarterbacks a more appealing option. Additionally, rookie quarterbacks often require more time to develop, making it beneficial to have a fourth quarterback as a potential long-term backup.
Impact
The Browns must weigh the pros and cons of keeping four quarterbacks on their roster. While it may provide depth and security at the position, it also limits the available spots for other positions of need. Ultimately, it will come down to the Browns' confidence in their current quarterbacks and their belief in the importance of having a fourth on the roster. It will be a decision that could have
About the People Mentioned
Joe Flacco
Joseph Vincent Flacco, born January 16, 1985, in Audubon, New Jersey, is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. He played college football at the University of Delaware, where he set 20 school records, including passing yards and completions, and led the Blue Hens to the NCAA FCS title game in 2007[2][5]. Flacco was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he started all 16 games and became one of the few rookie quarterbacks in NFL history to start a playoff game. Known for his strong arm and calm demeanor, Flacco led the Ravens to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons, a league first. His most notable achievement came in Super Bowl XLVII, where he led Baltimore to a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers and earned the Super Bowl MVP award for his performance[1][5]. After a long tenure with the Ravens, Flacco was traded to the Denver Broncos and later joined the Cincinnati Bengals. As of the 2025 NFL season, he remains an active player with the Bengals, contributing as a veteran quarterback. He is recognized for his experience and leadership on the field, often stepping in as a reliable option for his team[3][4]. Flacco is 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 245 pounds. Throughout his career, he has been valued for his playoff performances and ability to manage games effectively. His ongoing career with the Bengals highlights his continued relevance in the league at age 40[3][4].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Cleveland Browns
The **Cleveland Browns** are a professional American football team based in Cleveland, Ohio, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. Founded in 1944 by businessman Arthur B. "Mickey" McBride and coach Paul Brown, the Browns began play in 1946 in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), where they dominated by winning all four league championships before the AAFC folded in 1949. The team then joined the NFL and maintained early dominance, reaching the NFL championship game every year from 1950 to 1955 and winning three titles during that period[2][3]. Named after their first coach Paul Brown, who is considered a pioneer of modern football, the Browns built a legacy of success with legendary players such as Jim Brown, widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. The franchise won a total of eight league titles (including AAFC and NFL championships) and 18 division trophies in its early decades, making it one of professional football’s dynasties[1][7]. Ownership shifted several times, notably to Art Modell in 1961, who controversially fired Paul Brown in 1963. The team won its last NFL championship in 1964 but struggled to reach the Super Bowl despite multiple AFC Championship game appearances in the 1980s under quarterback Bernie Kosar[2][3]. The Browns faced a major upheaval when Modell relocated the franchise to Baltimore in 1996, causing the team to be temporarily deactivated until it was reactivated as an expansion franchise in 1999[4]. Since their revival, the Browns have struggled with consistency and performance, often ranking among the NFL’s weaker teams. However, recent seasons have shown improvement, including a playoff win in 2020—their first since 1994. The team plays home games at FirstEnergy Stadium and is currently owned by Jimmy and Dee Hasla
