In the upcoming Week 18 clash between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals in the 2023 NFL season (despite the calendar year being 2024), a peculiar decision looms for the Browns’ starting quarterback, Joe Flacco. The season began with these two teams facing off, offering an early glimpse into their respective trajectories.
Surprisingly, the Browns, despite contending with injuries and quarterback Joe Flacco stepping in unexpectedly, have clinched a playoff berth after their victorious start in Week 1. On the contrary, the Bengals, who stumbled in the opening game, have struggled throughout the season, missing the playoffs and languishing at the bottom of the AFC North.
As Week 18 approaches, the matchup will only determine whether the Browns secure a twelfth victory or if the Bengals clinch their first division win. However, Joe Flacco stands out in this scenario due to the unique terms of his contract. He stands to earn an additional $75,000 for every game he plays in that the Browns win, with even larger bonuses in the postseason.
Despite the Browns’ reported intention to rest many starters in this inconsequential game, the organization is known for treating its players well. The question arises: Could Flacco make a brief appearance on the field, perhaps taking a knee or executing a simple handoff, before giving way to another quarterback like PJ Walker? Head Coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the importance of consulting with Flacco about this decision, emphasizing the significance of listening to the players both on and off the field.
While the Browns’ backups would still need to contend with the Bengals’ remaining players in this essentially meaningless game, there’s speculation about General Manager Andrew Berry potentially adjusting Flacco’s contract to grant him the $75,000 bonus or Flacco himself deciding that the monetary incentive is inconsequential.
In the grand scheme, this may seem like a trivial decision, but the outcome will be intriguing to witness, as it reflects the delicate balance between player welfare, financial considerations, and the team’s overall strategy.
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