Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco. Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Browns QB Joe Flacco throws 45-yard pick-six

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 12/17/23

The Cleveland Browns might regret recently giving quarterback Joe Flacco an incentive-laden, one-year deal after Flacco produced an underwhelming performance against the Chicago Bears in Week 15.

With 13:50 remaining in the third quarter, a Flacco pass was deflected and intercepted by linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who returned it for a 45-yard TD, giving the Bears a 14-7 lead. Through three quarters, Flacco has completed 15-of-25 passes for 141 yards, one TD and two picks.

EDMUNDS PICK 6!!

: #CHIvsCLE on FOX
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kw7mays4qU pic.twitter.com/WVfByjrsKH
— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2023

On Thursday, Cleveland (8-5) and the former Super Bowl champion agreed to a one-year deal with $4.05M in incentives, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move made some sense with Browns starting QB Deshaun Watson recently undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. However, it also carried risk because the 38-year-old is inconsistent, posting a below-average 84 passer rating in 16 seasons.

Meanwhile, the Bears (5-8) are trying to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The New York Times simulator notes their postseason chances will increase from seven percent to 68 percent if they win their next four games.

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