In a move few around the league saw coming, the Cleveland Browns have made a surprising decision involving veteran quarterback Joe Flacco amid growing speculation about potential trades ahead of the NFL’s midseason deadline.
Sources close to the situation confirm that the Browns have restructured Flacco’s contract in a move that appears to create additional cap flexibility. The timing is particularly noteworthy, as trade rumors surrounding both offensive and defensive targets have begun heating up. Though the team has not officially commented on any trade plans, Flacco’s adjusted deal suggests Cleveland is actively preparing to make a splash.
Flacco, 40, signed a one-year deal with the Browns last season and played admirably down the stretch, even helping guide the team into the playoffs amid a wave of injuries at quarterback. Though he hasn’t been the starter in 2025 due to Deshaun Watson’s return to full health, Flacco has remained with the team as a valuable backup and mentor. Now, with a restructured contract that reportedly reduces his base salary and includes incentives based on playing time, Cleveland has freed up an estimated \$3 million in cap space.
That cap room could prove critical. The Browns have been rumored to be in the market for help at wide receiver and linebacker—two positions that have been hampered by injuries and inconsistent play early in the season. With AFC North rivals like the Ravens and Bengals pushing hard, Cleveland’s front office may be feeling the urgency to bolster its roster for a postseason run.
While there is no indication that Flacco is on the trade block himself, the timing of the restructuring may be designed to facilitate a separate deal—or simply as a preemptive move to give the Browns more financial flexibility heading into a critical stretch of the season.
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