After a 2020 NFL season that saw Joe Flacco fail to win a game for the first time in his career, what are the latest rumors surrounding Flacco in free agency? Where could we see Joe Flacco play football in 2021, and could we see him compete to be a starter?
Joe Flacco: What are the latest rumors?
After a tough season in which Flacco went 0-4 with a 55 percent completion rate, rumors have been picking up for Joe Flacco so far in free agency. What is the latest news regarding Flacco?
The San Francisco 49ers are seemingly interested in Flacco
Numerous reports have stated that Flacco was in San Francisco meeting with the 49ers on Thursday. However, reports and rumors on Friday indicate that Joe Flacco had left San Francisco without a deal. While that may initially not seem like a good sign, the reports also said the two sides were set to talk later on Friday.
[sv slug=”drizly”]The San Francisco 49ers are a fascinating potential destination for Flacco. While Jimmy Garoppolo is still under contract in San Francisco, the 49ers can save over $20 million by releasing him. Therefore, competition in camp between Flacco and Garoppolo could have huge ramifications for the 49ers in 2021 and beyond.
Which other teams could be in play for Joe Flacco?
The options for Flacco are extremely limited. While he is a former Super Bowl winner, he has struggled recently. Over the past two seasons, Flacco has just 12 touchdowns to 8 interceptions. He also struggled a lot in 2020, leaving a tough set of tape for people to consider. However, as a veteran, there may be teams willing to bring in Flacco as a mentor for their young QB.
New York Jets
The Jets could look to bring Joe Flacco back for another season. He could serve as either a mentor for Sam Darnold for another season or as a mentor to a young QB. However, Flacco would likely be looking to compete for a starting role, and that seems unlikely with the Jets.
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If they draft a QB at No. 2, that player would have to struggle immensely in camp for them to start Flacco. Equally, if they stick with Darnold, it seems highly unlikely they would turn to Flacco.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars look ready to make Trevor Lawrence the No. 1 overall draft pick. There is the possibility they may decide to ease him into the season. If that’s the case, Flacco could be an interesting veteran option to come in and start games for the Jaguars in the early part of the season. The Jaguars have been rebuilding their team this offseason and it could give Joe Flacco a platform to impress in 2021.
Los Angeles Chargers
At times, Justin Herbert looked like a young gunslinger under center for the Los Angles Chargers. That mentality would be a perfect situation for Joe Flacco to come in as a mentor. Flacco was one of the best deep-ball throwers in the NFL and could work with Herbert. However, once again, he would be giving up any opportunity to compete for a starting role if he were to sign with the Chargers.
Denver Broncos
Joe Flacco is responsible for one of the worst moments in Broncos’ history. Nevertheless, there is a realistic chance he could come in and compete for the role as a starter in 2021. Drew Lock was extremely underwhelming in 2020, and the Broncos may not be in a position to add another QB in the draft.
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Therefore, Flacco could come in and compete to be a one-year stop-gap option for the Broncos in 2021. Whether the Broncos would undercut the confidence of their young QB by bringing in a veteran to compete is questionable.
Atlanta Falcons
Recently, the Atlanta Falcons have tended to go with a veteran backup QB in Matt Schaub. While there is a new regime in place, the Falcons may still decide to bring in a veteran. Even if the Falcons decide to draft a QB, they may not be willing to throw him into the fire straight away. For this reason, Flacco would make sense as a veteran option in case of injury to Matt Ryan.
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