A game of quarterback musical chairs could play out this offseason, which could lead to some strong starting options not getting a starting job with a team. Last year, the trade of veteran quarterback Alex Smith from Kansas City to Washington was revealed (but not official) even before the Super Bowl, so there’s a chance we know Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco’s fate before the start of the 2019 league year on March 13. These are the most likely destinations for Flacco this offseason.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ravens great Ed Reed says going to Jacksonville would give Flacco the best chance to win another Super Bowl, and it’d certainly strengthen the Jaguars’ chances if they get a former Super Bowl MVP leading their offense. Flacco’s cool demeanor could be something that meshes well with the volatile talent of the Jags, as everyone should follow the lead of the guy that’s actually been to where they all want to go. If the running game can get back on track in 2019, Jacksonville would be a great match for Flacco—but the Ravens might not want to trade him to a team that could compete with them for a playoff spot in the AFC.
2. Denver Broncos
John Elway is probably losing patience with his team missing the playoffs the last three years after their Super Bowl 50 win in Peyton Manning’s last year, so he might be the most aggressive decision-maker looking to add Flacco to his team’s quarterback room this year. Elway saw first-hand what Flacco can do in the postseason: 331 yards and three touchdowns while outdueling Manning at Mile High during Baltimore’s eventual title run in 2013. The addition of Manning was one of the best in the history of sports; it’ll be hard to match that, but Denver might feel they can get similar magic by adding another championship quarterback in Flacco.
3. Washington Redskins
The quarterback situation of the Redskins appears to be wide-open as things stand, with Alex Smith’s status looking doubtful for 2019. Washington might not be able to get Nick Foles if the Eagles franchise tag and trade him elsewhere, in which case Flacco might be the team’s top quarterback target. The Redskins could get Flacco for 2019 to better compete in the NFC and then see how things go this season before making a decision—with the ability to release Flacco and have just mild cap complications next offseason if Smith is back and the preferred option at that point.
4. New York Giants
Again, the options could be slim for quarterback openings this offseason, as the Giants might prefer to roll with their own veteran Super Bowl-winning quarterback instead of bringing another one in. However, Flacco is four years younger than Eli Manning, and the Giants seem to prefer a win-now approach instead of drafting a rookie quarterback—Flacco would give them a veteran quarterback while also lengthening their competitive window.
Wild Cards
The Dolphins don’t feel like a great fit for Flacco based on the direction they appear to be heading, but perhaps they’ll surprise and make a play for a veteran quarterback. If a team like the Raiders or Lions happen to part ways with their starting signal-caller in a trade, maybe they feel they can replace them in a low-cost trade for Flacco. More likely than not, it’ll be one of the top four teams, though.