As the NFL offseason unfolds, players and teams engage in various conversations, assessing their future and potential roster moves. One such conversation that recently made waves involved veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, a former Super Bowl MVP with the Baltimore Ravens. In a surprising revelation, Flacco shared that he had a brief conversation with the Ravens about the possibility of rejoining the team for the 2025 NFL season. Although this potential reunion never materialized, the brief exchange provides an interesting glimpse into Flacco’s career trajectory, his relationship with the Ravens, and the current landscape of the NFL’s quarterback carousel.
Joe Flacco’s Long and Storied Relationship with the Ravens
Before diving into the specifics of the recent conversation during free agency, it’s important to recall Joe Flacco’s long and successful history with the Baltimore Ravens. Flacco was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of the University of Delaware. From the moment he took the reins as the starting quarterback, Flacco established himself as one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the league. His key achievement was leading the Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers in 2013, where he was named Super Bowl MVP.
Flacco spent a majority of his career with the Ravens, where he became the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. Under his leadership, the Ravens consistently made deep playoff runs and contended for championships. He was known for his strong arm, calm demeanor, and ability to perform in clutch situations.
However, as the NFL evolved and the Ravens underwent changes, Flacco’s tenure as the team’s starting quarterback eventually came to an end. In 2018, the Ravens decided to move on from Flacco, selecting Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall pick in the draft. Jackson, with his dynamic style of play and remarkable success, quickly became the face of the franchise. Flacco, meanwhile, was traded to the Denver Broncos, where he played a short stint before continuing his journey with the New York Jets and other teams.
The Brief Conversation During NFL Free Agency
Fast forward to NFL free agency ahead of the 2025 season. Flacco, who was seeking an opportunity to continue his career as a backup quarterback, revealed in an interview that the Baltimore Ravens briefly reached out to him about the possibility of returning to the team as a backup to Lamar Jackson. Flacco shared that the Ravens were interested in gauging his level of interest in potentially reuniting with them.
Flacco explained that the conversation was quite brief, stating, “They did kind of reach out to [my agent] Joe [Linta], gauging my interest for something like that to happen… I wasn’t against it. I think I would’ve been excited about it in a little bit of a way.”
This revelation caught many by surprise. Given Flacco’s history with the Ravens and the successful campaigns they had together, the idea of him returning to the team as a mentor to Jackson seemed like a logical and sentimental move. However, the conversation never progressed beyond the early stages, and ultimately, the Ravens opted to go in a different direction.
Ravens Opt for Cooper Rush Instead
Despite the fact that Flacco expressed an openness to rejoining the Ravens, the team eventually decided to sign Cooper Rush as their backup quarterback for the 2025 season. Rush, who had spent time with the Dallas Cowboys as a backup, had a solid reputation as a reliable reserve quarterback. His experience as a spot starter with the Cowboys likely made him an appealing option for the Ravens.
The decision to sign Rush instead of bringing back Flacco can be seen as the Ravens opting for a quarterback who is familiar with the nuances of the modern NFL system and someone who is more suited to the backup role behind Lamar Jackson. Flacco’s experience is valuable, but there may have been concerns about his age and his ability to operate in today’s fast-paced NFL environment.
In any case, the Ravens’ decision wasn’t necessarily an indictment of Flacco’s abilities. Rather, it likely reflects a strategic choice to go with a younger, more mobile quarterback who can adapt to the evolving style of the game. Rush may also offer more flexibility as a backup who can step in without significantly altering the team’s offensive scheme.