Joe Flacco Blasts NFL Teams for Passing on Him as Starter
Joe Flacco signed a one-year deal as a backup for the Cincinnati Bengals, expressing frustration over not securing a starting position in free agency despite his potential contributions.
Joe Flacco signed a one-year deal to back up Joe Burrow with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, but the 41-year-old quarterback made clear his frustration at not landing a starting opportunity elsewhere in free agency.
Speaking to reporters after signing, Flacco took direct aim at teams that bypassed him during the offseason.
"Not being one of those guys to go sign somewhere, yeah, it pisses me off a little bit," Flacco said. "But at the same time, I'm very happy to be here. And that's why I also don't see this as the end. That's not how I'm viewing it in my mind. I feel like I can help a team win."
"Believe me, I wish I was a guy somewhere. And I think teams are dumb for not having me be that guy. But it is what it is, and I'm not going to let it get me down."
Last Season's Performance
Flacco's credentials should have merited consideration. Last season, he started four games for the Cleveland Browns before being benched, then was traded to Cincinnati where he took over as starter while Joe Burrow recovered from a toe injury.
In six starts for the Bengals, Flacco compiled 1,664 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, though his record stood at 1-5. His play was steady enough to suggest he could contribute as a starting quarterback elsewhere.
Yet apparently it wasn't enough to convince other NFL franchises to give him a shot.
Limited Starting Opportunities in Free Agency
Few teams actually pursued proven starting quarterbacks this offseason:
- The Miami Dolphins signed Malik Willis to a three-year deal to be their starter
- The Atlanta Falcons added Tua Tagovailoa
- The Minnesota Vikings signed Kyler Murray to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job
Most teams with quarterback questions are expected to address the position through the draft. The Las Vegas Raiders are anticipated to select Indiana's Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, while Aaron Rodgers is likely to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Flacco acknowledged that starting opportunities could still materialize if injuries strike during the season, but for now he's resigned to his backup role.
"I'm just going to approach my job like a professional and be the best I can be in my role and have fun with the guys that I have in this locker room," he said.
