Joe Flacco might 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 season 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 actually on Wednesday about not receiving calls about beginning jobs.
Will “dumb” groups remorse not signing Joe Flacco?
“I feel 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 approach. Yeah, it pi—- me off a bit bit. However on the identical time, I’m very joyful to be right here. I had plenty of enjoyable with Joe, and Joe’s the man. And imagine 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 not less than a bit one thing left within the tank throughout parts of the 2025 season as he crammed in for the injured Burrow. That mentioned, Flacco amassed an unspectacular file of 1-5 as Cincinnati’s momentary 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 would have a number of choices and need to make a very huge 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 concerning their quarterback conditions.
In the meantime, the Pittsburgh Steelers seem assured that Aaron Rodgers will return to be their starter for an additional 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 wish to be in one other state of affairs the place I am going and taking part in 4 video games like I did final 12 months in Cleveland. I used to be a bit bit nervous about that for no matter purpose, and sort of getting thrown below the bus. I feel there was a time to be that man, however I do not know if I used to be prepared to do this. It simply felt proper within the intestine.”
If Flacco performs in significant video games later this 12 months, it’s going to possible be as a result of he was traded or as a result of Burrow turns into unable to begin for some purpose.
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