The Joe Flacco Trade: Evaluating the Next Move
In the fast-paced world of professional football, trades are often the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation. The recent trade involving veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has once again ignited discussions among fans, analysts, and team executives alike. As the dust settles and the implications of this move become clearer, it’s crucial to analyze the next steps for both Flacco and the teams involved.
Joe Flacco, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Baltimore Ravens, has had a storied career in the NFL. However, like many players in the league, he has experienced ups and downs, injuries, and changes in team dynamics. His recent trade from the Philadelphia Eagles to the New York Jets has raised questions about his future in the league and the direction of both franchises.
The trade itself involved the Eagles sending Flacco to the Jets in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. On the surface, this may seem like a relatively minor transaction, but its implications are significant for both teams.
The Jets’ Perspective:
For the Jets, acquiring Flacco provides valuable experience and depth at the quarterback position. With rookie quarterback Zach Wilson likely to be the starter, having a seasoned veteran like Flacco as a backup can offer mentorship and stability. Additionally, Flacco’s familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s system, having played under him in San Francisco, could expedite his integration into the Jets’ offense.
However, it’s essential to recognize that Flacco’s role with the Jets is likely temporary. At 37 years old, he’s nearing the end of his career, and his primary function may be to serve as a reliable backup rather than a long-term solution. Therefore, the Jets must also consider grooming younger quarterbacks for the future, either through the draft or player development.
The Eagles’ Perspective:
On the other side of the trade, the Eagles have seemingly opted to move on from Flacco in favor of developing their younger quarterbacks. Jalen Hurts, who showed promise in his rookie season, is expected to be the starter, with 2021 first-round pick, DeVonta Smith, providing a potential offensive weapon. By trading Flacco, the Eagles free up cap space and roster spots, allowing them to focus on building for the future.
However, some critics argue that the Eagles could have received more value in return for Flacco, given his experience and track record. A conditional sixth-round pick may not fully reflect Flacco’s potential contributions, particularly if he performs well with the Jets. Nevertheless, the Eagles’ decision to prioritize youth and financial flexibility aligns with their long-term strategy.
Joe Flacco’s Next Move:
As for Joe Flacco himself, the trade presents both challenges and opportunities. Moving to a new team means adjusting to a different environment, coaching staff, and offensive system. However, Flacco’s experience and professionalism should serve him well in this transition. His focus will likely be on supporting Zach Wilson and contributing positively to the Jets’ locker room culture.
Moreover, Flacco’s performance with the Jets could have significant implications for his future in the NFL. If he can demonstrate his value as a reliable backup or even compete for a starting role, it could prolong his career and open up opportunities with other teams. Conversely, if Flacco struggles or fails to make an impact, he may face difficult decisions regarding his football future.
the Joe Flacco trade represents a strategic move for both the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles. For the Jets, it provides depth and experience at the quarterback position, while for the Eagles, it signals a commitment to youth and financial flexibility. As for Flacco himself, the trade presents both challenges and opportunities as he embarks on the next chapter of his NFL career. Only time will tell how this trade ultimately shapes the fortunes of all parties involved.
The Eagles are signing free agent quarterback Joe Flacco to a one-year contract, according to his agency.
The deal is worth $3.5 million guaranteed and up to $7.5 million with incentives, according to Adam Caplan. That’s … more than expected. Flacco’s deal with the Jets last year was reportedly only worth $1.5 million. I’m not sure how his value went up.
News of the 2013 Super Bowl MVP visiting the NovaCare Complex first emerged on Monday morning. We wrote at the time that signing Flacco would make some sense. Of course, we also assumed he’d be making something around the league minimum, which clearly isn’t the case.
Flacco, 36, comes to Philadelphia as an experienced veteran backup to have behind presumed 2021 starter Jalen Hurts. As an added bonus, the Aubudon, New Jersey native is a local guy with ties to some Eagles front office members, such as vice president of player personnel Andy Weidl. Thus, there’s a level of familiarity with his personality and professionalism.
The Eagles are probably in trouble if Flacco ever has to see meaningful playing time for them. He’s coming off a season in which he went 0-4 in four starts, completing just 55.2% of his attempts for six touchdowns, three interceptions, and an 80.6 passer rating. Flacco was Pro Football Focus’s second-worst graded quarterback last year.
In fairness, Flacco was coming off a neck injury and the New York Jets’ supporting cast was far from ideal. I mean, 37-year-old Frank Gore was their leading rusher in 2020. The Jets’ top three receivers were Jamison Crowder (699 yards), Breshad Perriman (505 yards), and Braxton Berrios (394 yards). New York’s offensive line graded out as the NFL’s second-worst pass-blocking unit. Flacco might have a chance to be better in Philly, assuming the Eagles can acquire some more offensive talent.
And it’s not like the Birds are counting on Flacco to be a No. 2 during a season in which they’re all in to win a Super Bowl anyway.
The Eagles signing Flacco hardly precludes them from taking a quarterback early in the 2021 NFL Draft. With the report that Jeffrey Lurie has mandated Hurts as the team’s starter, though, perhaps it’ll just be Hurts as QB1 and Flacco as QB2 this year. Flacco could potentially fall down to QB3 if/when a rookie enters the mix.
The Eagles signing Flacco does likely preclude them from reacquiring their own Super Bowl MVP in Nick Foles, which was a recently rumored possibility.
(Compensatory pick note: As Jimmy Kempski points out, the Flacco signing wipes out the Eagles potentially gaining a 2022 fifth-round pick for losing Jalen Mills.)