Backup quarterbacks have defined the last two seasons for the Cleveland Browns.

In 2024, nothing suggests that it won’t be more of the same.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry has placed a premium on the backup quarterback position. And head coach Kevin Stefanski, Wednesday, may have tipped Cleveland’s hand as to who the backup quarterback to Deshaun Watson will be in the 2024 NFL season.

“I think there’s certainly value in experience of course,” Stefanski said of the backup quarterback position. “We’ll see how it all shakes out. I thought Dorian [Thompson-Robinson] did a great job for us. I thought it got better as the season went on, as you’d expect in a young player. So I expect him to take a big jump in year one to two as well.”

There has been debate as to whether the Browns would bring back Joe Flacco, who led Cleveland on a miracle run during the 2023 season.

Berry has been non-commital and Stefanski hasn’t gone to bat for the veteran signal caller.

Still, Flacco has remained professional, expressing his fondness for Cleveland and an openness to return in a backup role.

However, after Stefanski gushed praises of Thompson-Robinson, it is hard to believe the Browns give the backup keys to a quarterback whose best days are behind him.

The Browns have a vested interest in Thompson-Robinson. Seeing him become a better player gives Cleveland necessary Watson insurance.

Knowing that doesn’t negate that seeing Flacco walk, despite the playoff push he led Cleveland on, will be hard for the Flacco believers to stomach.

Cleveland hasn’t been committed to Flacco for a reason. And finally, that reason was revealed: Thompson-Robinson will most likely end up as the team’s backup. Stefanski all but said it.