REPORT: Cleveland Browns QB Joe Flacco Could Face Massive Financial Punishment For Winning

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco could be a victim of his success in Week 18. The Browns locked up the number five playoff seed in the AFC this weekend following their win over the New York Jets in Week 17.

Per multiple reports, the banged-up Browns are expected to rest their starters in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals because they have no advantage to gain or lose in terms of playoff seeding based on the outcome of Sunday’s game.

The Cleveland Browns could punish Flacco financially

Flacco signed a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million with incentives to play for Cleveland this season. Part of those incentives include winning regular season games. According to ESPN, Flacco earns $75,000 for every Browns win he starts.

But if the Browns decide to rest Flacco and the rest of their starters for the playoffs, Flacco would lose out on the $75,000 incentive for Week 18. Even if Flacco starts, resting other starters would lessen the Browns chances of beating the Bengals.

Flacco’s been put in this situation, ironically, by winning his previous four starts–three of which were under the incentive contract.

The Browns should give Flacco the $75,000 regardless. It would be a generous bonus to a quarterback who did what the Browns asked for when they drew up the contract–lead Cleveland to the playoffs.