Browns Thank Joe Flacco for 'Helluva Ride' After QB Signs Colts Contract in NFL FA

While Joe Flacco may not be with the Cleveland Browns anymore, the franchise made clear it appreciates the spark the 39-year-old provided in 2023.

Flacco helped lead the Browns to a postseason berth after signing with the team midseason, and he parlayed his successful stint into a contract with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. The Browns took to X Friday to express their appreciation for Flacco's impact in 2023 and wished him luck going forward.

"Joe, it was one helluva ride," the post read. "You brought such a sense of joy and genuine excitement to this team game in and game out. We were proud to have you in the orange and brown and we wish you nothing but the best in Indianapolis."

Flacco started five games for Cleveland in 2023, going 4-1 with 1,616 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. This helped the Browns finish 11-6 and earn the top AFC Wild Card spot in the postseason.

While the franchise went one-and-done in the playoffs, it still was a remarkable season considering that Cleveland has only made the postseason three times since its re-entry into the NFL in 1999. Additionally, Flacco was one of five quarterbacks to take snaps in 2023 and his statistics led the team despite him not beginning his tenure until November 26.

Flacco is certainly not an unknown commodity, as he has 43,936 career passing yards, 245 touchdowns and an overall record 103-82 for his career.

Flacco won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award for his efforts with Cleveland in 2023 and leveraged that into a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million with Indianapolis to serve as veteran insurance behind second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Cleveland will be entering 2024 with Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Tyler Huntley and Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the quarterback room.