On this page

New York Jets Reacquire Quarterback Joe Flacco in Trade with Philadelphia Eagles

Introduction

New York Jets Reacquire Quarterback Joe Flacco in Trade with Philadelphia Eagles

On Monday, October 25th, 2021, there was a trade executed in the National Football League between the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles. The New York Jets reacquired the veteran quarterback, Joe Flacco, from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 6th – round conditional pick in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft.

This 2022 6th – round draft pick can eventually develop in to a 2022 5th – round draft selection for the Philadelphia Eagles depending upon the amount of playing time Flacco ultimately sees with the New York Jets. Under the Jets’ previous coaching staff, Joe was a back – up quarterback for the New York Jets during the 2020 – 2021 season of the National Football League.

Reason for this Midseason NFL Trade

The New York Jets’ starting quarterback, Zach Wilson, sprained his knee last Sunday in the New York Jets’ 54 to 13 loss to the New England Patriots. Wilson is expected to miss approximately 2 to 4 weeks due to his Grade - 2 PCL sprain in his right knee. The New York Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh expressed that Zach may be able to play as soon as Sunday, November 14th, 2021 when the New York Jets match – up against their AFC East divisional opponent in the Buffalo Bills.

Zach Wilson’s Replacement at Quarterback for the New York Jets

When Wilson went down in the second – quarter of last Sunday’s battle against the New England Patriots, the New York Jets’ back – up quarterback, Mike White, stepped up and performed decently for the Jets that afternoon during his NFL debut in a regular season game. White was the former 5th – round selection of the Dallas Cowboys during the 2018 NFL Draft.

Last weekend versus the New England Patriots Mike completed 20 – of – 32 pass attempts which was good for 202 passing yards to go along with his one touchdown and two interceptions. As long as White is healthy, he is predicted and ready to get his first NFL start at the quarterback position for the New York Jets this Sunday, October 31st, 2021 when the Jets play the now surprisingly 5 and 2 Cincinnati Bengals.

Before the trade on Monday, the New York Jets' other option was to promote the NFL journeyman quarterback, Josh Johnson, from the New York Jets’ practice squad, but Johnson has not had any playing time in an NFL game since the 2018 – 2019 season of the National Football League. Now that the NY Jets just traded for Flacco there should be no need to promote Johnson from their practice squad, and Flacco will dress as the New York Jets’ back – up quarterback to Mike White for the next 2 to 4 weeks while Wilson recovers from his sprained knee injury. Joe can take over in any instance that White either gets hurt or struggles mightily during his temporary role as the New York Jets’ starting quarterback in the absence of Zach Wilson.

Media Statements

"He's a very calm man," the New York Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh explained in regards to quarterback Mike White. "He's a great communicator, he's got great command of the huddle. He's got great command of the offense. He understands progression reads and how to go through a progression, get the ball where it needs to go. He understands how to slide in the pocket to throw instead of slide in the pocket to run. He doesn't panic."

"Joe is just a great person to be around, a great pro to be around, had a phenomenal preseason and was really good for our [QB] room," the Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni stated. "But the opportunity arose for him to go and be able to contribute somewhere else and also for us to get a pick for that. But our time with Joe Flacco was really good."

Joe Flacco’s Football Career Achievements, Honors, and Awards

  • Super Bowl XLVII Champion
  • Super Bowl XLVII MVP Award
  • Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year Award in 2008
  • ECAC Player of the Year Award in 2007
  • First - Team All - CAA in 2007
  • CAA Co - Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2007

Sources:

“New York Jets bring back veteran QB Joe Flacco in trade with Philadelphia Eagles”, Rich Cimini, espn.com, October 25, 2021.

“Joe Flacco”, pro-football-reference.com, October 26, 2021.