Joe Flacco Receives Trade Rumors Amidst QB Needs

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has been hearing from friends about potential trade rumors linking him to the New York Giants, despite the reports being inaccurate. Flacco, currently the backup quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, addressed the rumors on Thursday, stating that friends have texted him, "I'll see you in New York."

"I just get a kick out of it," Flacco told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "Because the (Dart) stuff happened yesterday but it’s obviously not real and not true, but it was good enough to get people, like certain friends of mine and things like that, to get them to text me, ‘Hey, I’ll see you in New York.’ And I was like, ‘No, guys, you won’t. It’s not true.’ I kind of get a little bit of a kick out of it. I haven’t really given it too much thought at this point."

The Giants are reportedly seeking to add another veteran quarterback to their roster, which currently features Jameis Winston and Jake Haener. The team has been linked to other veteran free agents, including Jimmy Garoppolo, following an injury to Jaxson Dart.

Flacco, who has starting experience with both the Cleveland Browns and the Bengals last season, fits the profile of experienced quarterbacks the Giants might consider. His past success with Giants coach John Harbaugh, with whom he won a Super Bowl during their time with the Baltimore Ravens, could also be a factor.

Harbaugh acknowledged the potential benefit of adding an experienced quarterback. "You know, I think I would probably,'' Harbaugh said when asked about adding a veteran, "but you’ve kind of got to go with what’s available as well. And you never know, if a younger guy becomes available that’s interesting, that would fit — and I think we’re looking at all that."

While a trade could offer Flacco more playing time, he emphasized that his current focus is with the Bengals. "In these cases, it’s not up to me. I’m on the Cincinnati Bengals and because of that, that’s my focus. Just being here and doing the things I need to do to get better each day while I’m here and make sure I’m absorbing the game plan and all those things. I get a little bit of a kick out of it, but it’s kind of out of my hands."

Potential complications for any Flacco trade include competition from other teams seeking quarterback help, such as the Commanders and Bears, and the Bengals' own need to maintain depth at the quarterback position due to concerns about Joe Burrow's injury history.

Flacco has played for multiple teams since his departure from the Ravens in 2019, including the Bengals, Jets, Browns, Colts, and Broncos. His trade from the Browns to the Bengals last season did not result in a playoff appearance for the team.