Joe Flacco Says He Wants to Prove He Can 'Still Do It' Amid Browns QB Battle in Camp

Joe Flacco's competitive fire hasn't lessened as the Cleveland Browns quarterback enters his 18th season in the NFL.

The 40-year-old told The Athletic's Michael Silver a player with his experience doesn't necessarily have to show as much on the field in training camp. Still, he wants to silence any skeptics who question where he should sit in the depth chart.

"I think there's probably some truth to the fact that maybe I don't need as many reps," he said. "But I do need reps. And not only do I need reps, I want reps. I like reps. I want to get better. And also, I want to be able to show guys, hey, I can still do it."

Head coach Kevin Stefanski agreed there's some benefit to having Flacco shake off the rust, despite everyone pretty much knowing what to expect from him.

"Joe's seen it all and he relies on his experience, but I think it'd be unfair to Joe to give him nothing," Stefanski said. "Because number one, he's got to stay sharp. Technically, he needs to work on all those fundamentals and types of things. But also, he wants to show what he can do. And I think his teammates want to see it as well."

It's looking increasingly likely that Flacco will be Cleveland's Week 1 starter despite the fact he hasn't received a ton of practice reps. He was the early favorite when this QB room came together, and circumstances have conspired to strengthen his position.

Kenny Pickett and third-round pick Dillon Gabriel are both battling hamstring injuries, while fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders has experienced some arm soreness. The Browns reportedly signed Tyler Huntley to give themselves more depth.

The franchise is clearly keeping its options open at quarterback beyond 2025, and it looks like one of the NFL's worst teams on paper. The season is shaping up to be a long one in Northeast Ohio.

Flacco could at least make for a fun subplot if he replicates the run that led him to winning Comeback Player of the Year with Cleveland in 2023.