Joe Flacco may have adopted within the footsteps of fellow veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and waited to see if a workforce would have discovered itself in want of a fill-in starter later this summer time or fall.
As a substitute, Flacco determined to return to a Cincinnati Bengals aspect that acquired him from the Cleveland Browns through the 2025 season. Whereas Flacco understands he’s on observe to function the backup for Cincinnati QB1 Joe Burrow, the 41-year-old additionally spoke truthfully on Wednesday about not receiving calls about beginning jobs.
Will “dumb” groups remorse not signing Joe Flacco?
“I believe I can get all caught up in all that and say, ‘Why not me’ and be bitter about it,” Flacco defined, per Jay Morrison of Sports activities Illustrated. “I in all probability do really feel that method. Yeah, it pi—- me off a bit of bit. However on the identical time, I’m very glad to be right here. I had a number of enjoyable with Joe, and Joe’s the man. And consider me, I want I used to be the man someplace, and assume groups are dumb for not having be that man.”
Flacco seemed to have a minimum of a bit of one thing left within the tank throughout parts of the 2025 season as he stuffed in for the injured Burrow. That mentioned, Flacco collected an unspectacular file of 1-5 as Cincinnati’s short-term starter earlier than Burrow returned to the lineup. Over these outings, Flacco tossed 13 landing passes and solely 4 interceptions.
“I went into the offseason hoping I might have a number of choices and must make a very large determination,” Flacco added throughout his feedback.
The New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals are amongst groups that might have given Flacco an opportunity to compete for a beginning job. As a substitute, all of them went in numerous instructions relating to their quarterback conditions.
In the meantime, the Pittsburgh Steelers seem assured that Aaron Rodgers will return to be their starter for one more season.
Joe Flacco reveals “the toughest factor” about re-signing with Bengals
“The toughest factor for me might be coming to grips with the truth that I won’t play,” Flacco admitted, per Geoff Hobson of the Bengals’ web site. “I felt like I needed to be cautious with some sure choices. I do not need to be in one other state of affairs the place I am going and enjoying 4 video games like I did final 12 months in Cleveland. I used to be a bit of bit nervous about that for no matter cause, and sort of getting thrown beneath the bus. I believe there was a time to be that man, however I do not know if I used to be prepared to try this. It simply felt proper within the intestine.”
If Flacco performs in significant video games later this 12 months, it is going to possible be as a result of he was traded or as a result of Burrow turns into unable to start out for some cause.
