Former Joe Flacco Teammate Blasts Browns Veteran Over QB Situation
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
As the Cleveland Browns get ready for the start of the NFL season, one of the biggest question marks comes from the quarterback position. Cleveland has multiple guys vying for the starting job, with veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett leading the way.
More NFL news: Cowboys' Dak Prescott Makes Big Announcement Ahead of NFL Season
Rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders will also look to make an impact. Some have wondered if Flacco would be a mentor to the rookies due to his experience in the league.
However, Flacco recently came under some hot water for comments about mentoring the younger guys in the quarterback room.
"It's a good question to bait somebody into answering, and no matter how they answer it, it kind of makes the guy that's answering it look bad," Flacco said. "If I say, 'I don't want to be a mentor,' I look bad. If I say, 'I do want to be a mentor,' then I look like an idiot that doesn't care about being good and playing football."
In response to this mindset from the veteran signal-caller, a former teammate of Flacco, Chris Canty, blasted the quarterback. Canty called out Flacco for being a bad teammate.
"Mentoring a young player is only going to make that player better, which makes the team better," Canty said Friday on ESPN's "Unsportsmanlike." "You're only as strong as your weakest link. The whole point of the exercise is that everybody makes everyone better. That's why you practice. You're making each other better. It's what you're supposed to do. You do that with the reps on the practice field, but you also do that by sharing points and notes in the film room.
"It's a ridiculous answer from Joe Flacco," Canty continued. "There's no guarantee Joe Flacco is going to be healthy for 17 games, especially at 40 years old."
Joe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to pass against the Houston Texans during the first half at NRG Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Houston, Texas. The Browns can clinch a playoff...
Joe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to pass against the Houston Texans during the first half at NRG Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Houston, Texas. The Browns can clinch a playoff spot in Week 17. More/Getty Images
Flacco will try to become the starter for Cleveland, but there is no guarantee for anything. Many believe that Pickett has the inside track to landing the starting job, which would put Flacco as the backup.
More NFL news: Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Facing Brutal Reality to Start Rookie Season
Last year with the Colts, Flacco appeared in eight games, throwing for 1,761 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Flacco has shown his worth over the years, but Pickett may be better for the Browns to see if he could be the future of the team.
Cleveland is coming off a very poor year that saw them end the season with a record of 3-14. The Browns will look to get back to the postseason, but it seems that drama is already brewing within the quarterback room.
More NFL news:
Bills Urged to Pursue Major Move for Three-Time Pro Bowl Defender
Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes Drops Major Hint at Travis Kelce's Playing Future
For more Cleveland Browns and NFL news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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