Joe Flacco Says He Had Brief Conversation About Ravens Contract in NFL Free Agency

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.

Flacco’s Move to the Cleveland Browns

Although his reunion with the Ravens didn’t materialize, Joe Flacco remained in the NFL fold. He signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Cleveland Browns as a backup quarterback to Deshaun Watson. The Browns were looking for an experienced signal-caller who could step in if Watson were to get injured or face any setbacks.

Flacco’s move to the Browns also made sense in the context of his career. After a rough final season with the Jets, where he was a backup, Flacco revitalized his career in 2023 by stepping in as a starter for the Browns in a few games. His performance was respectable, and he managed to guide the team to a 4-1 record during his starts. This was a key factor in the Browns’ decision to offer him a contract.

The Browns’ signing of Flacco provides him with another opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl. While Flacco may no longer be the star he once was, he brings veteran leadership and knowledge of the game, making him a valuable asset in a backup role. It also allows Flacco to continue playing in a system that values experience while giving him a chance to mentor younger quarterbacks if necessary.

The Enduring Legacy of Joe Flacco

Flacco’s brief conversation with the Ravens shines a light on his continued value in the NFL, even though he’s no longer in the spotlight as he once was. His career has been full of highs, including his Super Bowl victory, but it has also been marked by a series of ups and downs, as is often the case for many quarterbacks in the league.

While it seems unlikely that Flacco will ever start another game in the NFL, his role as a backup and mentor is invaluable to any team that wants to have a seasoned, stable presence in the quarterback room. He’s seen the game from all angles and has the kind of experience that can help a young quarterback navigate the challenges of the league.

Additionally, Flacco’s relationship with Lamar Jackson is notable. Although they only briefly overlapped in Baltimore, Flacco has expressed admiration for Jackson’s playstyle and development. The two quarterbacks share a mutual respect for each other’s skills, and Flacco’s potential return to the Ravens would have provided Jackson with an experienced figure to lean on. However, with Jackson now fully entrenched as the face of the Ravens, it’s unlikely that Flacco will have the opportunity to mentor him in Baltimore.

The brief conversation between Joe Flacco and the Ravens serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of NFL careers. Players like Flacco, who have had illustrious careers, can still be subject to the ebb and flow of the league’s roster decisions. While his time as a starter may be over, his resilience and ability to contribute as a backup quarterback prove that he still has value in the NFL.

Flacco’s move to the Cleveland Browns provides him with another chapter to his career, one where he can continue to influence the game from the sidelines and help guide the next generation of quarterbacks. His time in Baltimore may be in the past, but his legacy as a Super Bowl champion and one of the most durable quarterbacks of his era remains solidified.

As Flacco approaches the final years of his career, his focus will likely shift toward mentoring young quarterbacks, offering insight and wisdom while contributing to a team in any way he can. Whether or not he returns to the Ravens in the future is uncertain, but for now, Joe Flacco’s journey continues, and fans will always remember the quarterback who led the Ravens to one of the greatest moments in their history.