While there has been significant media attention and fan speculation surrounding Joe Flacco’s future, the claim that he rejected $75 million offers from the Las Vegas Raiders and Atlanta Falcons to declare his loyalty to the Browns is unsubstantiated. Publicly available information indicates that Flacco, who had a remarkable comeback season with Cleveland in 2023, signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Browns in 2025.1 This came after a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024.2
The 2023 Comeback and the 2024 Free Agency
Flacco’s 2023 season was nothing short of a fairy tale. After being out of the league, he was signed to the Browns’ practice squad and then elevated to the starting quarterback position due to a series of injuries to other players. He led the team to a 4-1 record and a playoff berth, earning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.3 His performance, which included throwing for over 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns in five regular-season games, captivated the football world.4
This resurgence in his career led to a great deal of speculation about his future. In 2024, instead of signing a long-term, big-money contract, he went to the Indianapolis Colts on a one-year deal. The contract was reportedly worth a guaranteed $4.5 million, with incentives that could raise its value. This decision itself was noteworthy, as many expected him to either stay with the Browns or receive a larger offer elsewhere.
The Return to Cleveland
Following his season with the Colts, Flacco once again became a free agent. This is where the narrative about his loyalty to the Browns takes hold. Instead of seeking a massive contract, he returned to Cleveland in 2025, signing another one-year deal.5 The contract is reportedly worth $4 million and can reach up to $13 million with incentives.6 While his return was met with great excitement from the Browns’ fanbase, there’s no evidence of a dramatic rejection of lucrative offers from the Raiders or Falcons.
Flacco’s return to Cleveland was more about a mutual desire for a reunion. He was motivated by his love for the game and a genuine appreciation for the people and culture of the Browns organization. He has spoken about his connection with the coaching staff and his teammates, and how it felt “refreshing” to see familiar faces. This is a story of a veteran quarterback who found a home where he was appreciated and successful, and chose to return there to finish his career. His decision, while perhaps not the most financially rewarding, speaks to a different kind of value—the value of a supportive environment and a chance to play for a team he believes in.
Loyalty vs. Money in Today’s NFL
The hypothetical scenario of Flacco rejecting a huge contract to stay with the Browns touches on a central debate in modern sports: loyalty vs. money. In an era of free agency and a fluid player market, the idea of a player staying with one team out of pure loyalty is often seen as a romanticized notion. Contracts are often seen as business deals, and players are expected to maximize their earnings while they can.
Flacco’s case, however, presents a more nuanced picture. While he did not reject a $75 million deal, his decision to sign a modest one-year contract with the Browns after a successful season and a brief departure does demonstrate a form of loyalty. He chose a familiar situation and a team he had success with over potentially more lucrative offers or starting opportunities with other teams. This is a subtle but powerful statement in a league where such choices are increasingly rare. It underscores the idea that for some players, the right fit and a chance to win in a place where they feel at home can be more important than the biggest paycheck.
This video provides an additional perspective on Joe Flacco’s journey and his decision to return to the Cleveland Browns.
Joe Flacco signs a 1-year deal w/ the Cleveland Browns to compete for starting QB job
