Joe Flacco is headed to New York.
The Jets signed the former Super Bowl MVP, according to his agent, on a one-year, $1.5 million deal worth up to $4.5 million with incentives, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Flacco reportedly will be ready to participate in training camp this offseason and should be medically cleared of the neck injury that ended his 2019 season in September, per Schefter.
Flacco will likely become the primary backup to Sam Darnold, meaning an uncertain future for rookie James Morgan and veteran David Fales. Flacco had an unspectacular season in Denver after being traded by the Ravens. He went 2-6 as a starter and threw for only 1,822 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions. He finished the season on injured reserve after suffering a neck injury in Week 8. Flacco also reunites with former Broncos center Connor McGovern.
It’s unsurprising that Jets general manager Joe Douglas went after Flacco – he was the one who discovered, found, and convinced the Ravens to draft the Pittsburgh transfer out of the University of Delaware in the first round of the 2008 draft. Flacco should be a great mentor for Darnold considering his 12 years of NFL experience and postseason experience that includes a Super Bowl MVP in 2012.
The Jets needed experience in the backup quarterback department, and Flacco is a solid investment for Douglas in case Darnold misses time again.