Joe Flacco expressed his satisfaction with the choice to return to the Cincinnati Bengals, although he admitted it was not what he anticipated or initially desired entering the offseason.
After exploring free agency, Flacco concluded that Cincinnati offered him the best opportunity. “To be honest, going into the offseason, I wouldn”t say this is the exact situation that I wanted, so it is somewhat surprising to sign here early,” Flacco remarked. “However, as the offseason progressed, I evaluated several options and questioned whether they were truly what I wanted. Ultimately, looking into my wife”s eyes and trusting my gut, I felt this was a good place to be.”
Flacco recognized that the Bengals were a strong fit due to the teammates and coaches he would continue to work with. He also perceived the organization as one that could contend for championships and genuinely wanted him to be part of their journey. Having been traded to Cincinnati from Cleveland last year during Week 6, Flacco recorded a 1-5 record in his six starts before Joe Burrow returned from a turf toe injury to conclude the season. Despite the team”s struggles and missing the playoffs, Flacco showcased some of his best performances during that period.
Anticipating a starting role elsewhere this offseason, Flacco found himself facing competition from younger veterans, which may have limited his options. “Perhaps that motivates me to continue pursuing my career,” he said. “I feel like I have unfinished business. That”s part of the reason I”m still here playing. Not being one of those guys who signs somewhere as a starter does frustrate me a bit, but I”m genuinely happy to be here, and I don”t view this as the end. I believe I can contribute to the team”s success, even if it”s in a different capacity.”
Flacco reflected on his time with Burrow, stating, “I had a lot of fun with Joe, and Joe”s the guy. I wish I were the guy somewhere, and I think teams are mistaken for not making me that guy, but it is what it is. I”m not letting that discourage me. I will remain true to myself and approach football as I always have.”
Since being replaced by Lamar Jackson midway through the 2018 season, Flacco has not been a full-time starter, chasing opportunities in various teams, including Denver, the New York Jets, Cleveland, and Indianapolis, before wrapping up last season in Cincinnati. In his six starts with the Bengals, he completed 158 of 256 passes for 1,664 yards, throwing 13 touchdowns against four interceptions, which earned him his first Pro Bowl selection in an 18-year NFL career.
Although Flacco had other options, none felt right. He contemplated waiting for a better opportunity but ultimately trusted his instincts to sign with Cincinnati, eager to continue collaborating with talented wide receivers like Ja”Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. “I felt it was a close-knit group of guys, and when you”re in a locker room like that, it resonates with you in a unique way,” Flacco noted. “Considering how tumultuous last year was for me, I was open to new experiences, and I think it was the right timing with a great group of guys who made me feel positive about this situation.”
