Joe Flacco is in New York to help mentor Zach Wilson and help the second-year quarterback reach his potential.
"That's my role, and I embrace it," Flacco said, via the New York Post. "It keeps you engaged, keeps you a part of the team. I'm not just willing to do it, but excited to do it."
But that doesn't mean the 37-year-old believes his days as a starting QB are in the past.
"I still think I have that ability to start," Flacco said. "It's good to hear people say that -- especially people that are close to the situation [Saleh]. I do believe I am still good enough to be a starting quarterback. That's what still drives me to work hard and be the best I can."
Flacco has started 191 games, including playoffs, and has a 108-83 career record, with a 10-5 postseason record and a Super Bowl MVP award.
The veteran hasn't entered the season as a starter since 2019 with the Denver Broncos. The Jets signed him in 2020 to back up Sam Darnold and brought him back via a trade with Philadelphia midway last season. Flacco started one game last season, a 24-17 loss to Miami, completing 61.5% of his passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns.
"He could start in this league, I believe that," coach Robert Saleh insisted. "Sometimes this league has a tendency to pigeonhole people or put labels on people, and then their opportunities get limited, but Joe Flacco is a starting quarterback in this league. He is really, really talented."
Flacco won't be a starting QB in New York unless disaster strikes and Wilson is hit with an injury. But it's not surprising to hear a veteran backup staying ready and believing he could play. He'd be retired otherwise.
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