One thing is certain — the Philadelphia Eagles will not be drafting a quarterback at #6 in the 2021 NFL Draft.
As of today, they signed veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, according to his agent Joe Linta. Flacco will likely serve as backup to second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts.
HONEY, HE’S HOME: EAGLES SIGN JOE FLACCO
As a South Jersey native, Joe Flacco attended Audubon High School and the University of Delaware, becoming the highest-drafted NFL player from UD. He was the 18th overall pick, signing with the Baltimore Ravens.
Flacco played 11 seasons with the Ravens, ultimately becoming a Super Bowl champion in 2013 after defeating the San Francisco 49ers. He completed three touchdowns, tying him for first place for the most consecutive playoff games with at least three touchdown passes (three total games). He was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
In 2019, Flacco was traded to the Denver Broncos, finishing the season with 1,822 passing yards, six touchdowns, and an 85.1 passer rating in eight games. The Broncos released Flacco at the end of the season after he suffered a neck injury.
In the 2020 offseason, Philadelphia expressed interest in him but passed due to health concerns. Flacco underwent neck surgery and a month later signed with the New York Jets. He made his first start in Week 5, finishing 0-4 in four total starts, completing 55.2% of his attempts.
Out of 42 quarterbacks who logged 20% or more of their team’s dropbacks, Pro Football Focus graded Flacco 41st. Dwayne Haskins (then with the Washington Football Team) was ranked 42.
But now Flacco is home.
Yesterday, Flacco met with the Philadelphia Eagles at the NovaCare Complex — both parties displaying interest. Today, the deal was made. According to a league source, Flacco signed a one-year contract worth $3.5 million guaranteed with up to $4 million in incentives.
PHILADELPHIA’S QUARTERBACK POSITION
In February, the Eagles traded Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts and Nate Sudfeld became an unrestricted free agent as of last week, leaving Jalen Hurts as the remaining quarterback. The addition of Joe Flacco now offers an experienced presence to the position.
Though Flacco was once the league’s highest-paid quarterback, likely, the 36-year-old veteran will now be back up to Hurts. The Eagles hope Flacco will serve as a mentor to guide the rookie-esque player into a season starting role.
Flacco’s contract also likely puts an end to rumors regarding the attainment of other big-name quarterbacks. Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman has shown recent interest in Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson would have come with a hefty price tag (which the Eagles can’t afford) and is now facing legal trouble.
It’s also impossible to forget the additional rumors surrounding former Eagles’ quarterback Nick Foles. Before Wentz’s departure, Philadelphia fans were hoping for a Wentz-Foles package, but that never happened. Then round two commenced leading fans to believe the Bears could trade Foles after all.
For the Eagles and Flacco, will the situation presents itself as a win-win? Philadelphia obtains a cheap(er) resource who displays league proficiency, and Flacco returns to his roots. Only time will tell if he’s a able to lead while following.
