NFL fans loves them some backup quarterbacks. In Cleveland it’s become the latest topic to argue about and Browns fans love to argue about everything. During the NFL combine, it was reported the Browns met with quarterback Joe Flacco’s agent to discuss the parameters of a contract. Browns fans and especially the local Cleveland media instantly became excited. No financial figures were discussed, mainly because the legal tampering period hadn’t started, but Browns fans were ready to catch Flacco fever all over again. Let the magic continue. Unfortunately, magic moments don’t replicate in the NFL. In Browns history, magical seasons are usually followed by bitter disappointment. The 1980 season (Sam Rutigliano, Brian Sipe), the 1994 season (Bill Belichick, Vinny Testaverde), the 2002 season (Butch Davis, Kelly Holcumb, Tim Couch) and the 2020 season (Kevin Stefanski, Baker Mayfield). The only sustained success the Browns have had after Paul Brown and Blanton Collier, was between 1985 and 1989. I’ll chalk that up to quarterback Bernie Kosar. He made the talent around him far better than it was.

Would another season with Flacco be different? Browns fans will never know, because the Cleveland front office made a football decision. That’s right Browns fans, A FOOTBALL DECISION. The only thing Browns fans like more than the backup quarterback is conspiracy theories. I remember when the Browns let Case Keenum leave and signed Jacoby Brissett. How could Andrew Berry do that, Brissett stinks. Then they let Brissett leave and signed Josh Dobbs. How could Andrew Berry do that, Dobbs sinks. Then traded Dobbs and went with J.P. Walker. How could Andrew Berry do that, Walker stinks. Well, they were right about that one. Then they signed Joe Flacco instead of going after Dobbs because, you guessed it, Flacco stinks. Now it’s signing Jameis Winston and letting Joe Flacco walk. Everyone repeat after me, Winston stinks. Or does he?

The last time Winston started for a significant period was 2021 for the Saints when he started seven games. He went 5-2, was 95 of 161 (59.0%) for 1175 yards, 14 touchdowns, three interceptions and a QBR of 102.8. He’s nine years younger than Flacco and a better scheme fit for what the Browns are about to do offensively. If Browns fans haven’t noticed, the offensive coaches got younger. “A new approach to the offensive side of the ball” and “getting the most out of QB Deshaun Watson” has been the consistent messages in every interview I’ve heard. Let’s face it, the offense has getting stale.

Finally, I think Joe Flacco ran out of steam during the Wildcard game against Houston. The Browns were only trailing by ten and in Texan territory when he threw his first pick six. Then on the next possession, he threw another pick six. Game over, season over. I remember a time when a certain quarterback threw four interceptions in an extremely important game on Christmas day and then Cleveland media helped pack his bag. Signing Winston is purely a football decision. No, it wasn’t made to protect Watson’s feelings, nor was it made to spite the fans. Do you know how ridiculous all that sounds? The window for the Browns Super Bowl hopes is now and the roster has to be better to take the next step, win the AFC North. In a perfect word, Watson will play all seventeen games and Winston won’t be needed. It worked for the Ravens last year. Hopefully when the season starts in Brazil against the Eagles, Browns fans will be arguing about something else. I’m pretty confident they will be.