Joe Flacco To Jets? South Jersey Native Interested In Return: Report

SOUTH JERSEY — One of South Jersey's top athletes in recent memory finds himself in a familiar spot — potentially rejoining the Jets after another Gang Green injury at quarterback.

Joe Flacco is interested in re-uniting with the Jets in the wake of Aaron Rodgers's season-ending injury, reports ESPN's Rich Cimini. Flacco, an Audubon native whose family is originally from Haddon Township, remains a free agent with hopes to return to an NFL roster.

The 38-year-old is arguably the most accomplished quarterback still searching for a team. His best years came with the Ravens, which made the playoffs from Flacco's rookie year in 2008 through the 2012 season, when they won the Super Bowl. Flacco was named Most Valuable Player of the Ravens' 34-31 victory against the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

In February 2019, the Ravens traded Flacco to the Broncos. The quarterback played only eight games in Denver, suffering a season-ending neck injury midway through the year and getting released in March 2020.

Since then, Flacco has had multiple stints with the Jets. He first signed with the team in 2020 to back up Sam Darnold, playing four games that year and recording a career-low completion percentage of 55.2.

Flacco signed with the Eagles in March 2021. But midway through the following season, the Birds traded him back to the Jets after Gang Green signal-caller Zach Wilson injured his knee. Flacco suited up for the Jets in seven games over the past two seasons.

The quarterback continues to work out with hopes to play his 16th pro season. He recently told ESPN that he doesn't intend to retire.

"Listen, I can still play," Flacco said. "That's me talking, obviously. I'm hoping that there's the silver lining that I'm not anywhere right now and that I can be available to anybody."

The Jets entered this year with high hopes after acquiring Rodgers. But four snaps into his Gang Green debut on Monday Night Football, he was carted off the field. Rodgers will miss the rest of the year with a complete tear of his left Achilles.

For now, Coach Robert Saleh has committed to Wilson under center. But at the very least, the Jets will likely need to acquire another quarterback to back up Wilson, who helped the Jets to Monday's victory but struggled in his first two pro seasons.