FLORHAM PARK (N.J.) -- Zach Wilson was out for at least two games due to a sprained leg. The New York Jets have now secured insurance for their quarterback. As both teams announced Monday, they reacquired Joe Flacco from the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade. The Jets lost a sixth-round conditional draft in 2022. This could be improved to a fifth round pick based upon Flacco's playing time. Flacco was the Jets' backup coach during the 2020 season, according to sources.
Mike White, who took over for Wilson in Sunday's 54-13 defeat to the New England Patriots on Sunday, is expected to start Sunday against Cincinnati Bengals. Flacco, 36-year-old former Super Bowl MVP with Baltimore Ravens, is there to provide insurance in case White gets hurt.
White does not have any NFL experience. His NFL debut was Sunday. White, a former Dallas Cowboys fifth-round selection, completed 20 of 32 passes for 220 yards with one touchdown pass and two interceptions.
The Jets had another option: Josh Johnson, a journeyman, could be promoted from the practice squad. However, he hasn’t played in a game since 2018.
Wilson is expected to miss between two and four weeks due to a grade-2 injury to his PCL. Robert Saleh, Wilson's coach, said that it is possible for Wilson to play against the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 14.
Saleh spoke glowingly about White hours before the trade was completed.
Saleh stated, "He's very calm man." He's a great communicator and has great command over the huddle. He has a great command of the offense. He is able to read progressions and understand how to move the ball through them. He knows how to slide in the pocket for throws and not slide in the pockets to run. He doesn't panic."
Flacco signed a $3.5 million, one-year contract with the Eagles but didn't get to see any game action. Jalen Hurts played in every snap in seven starts. They also have Gardner Minshew, a former Jacksonville Jaguars starter, on the bench. Reid Sinnett was claimed off waivers by the Dolphins on Monday.
Nick Sirianni, Eagles coach, said that Joe is a wonderful person to be around and a great professional to be around. He had a fantastic preseason and was really good to our [QB] room." "But the opportunity presented itself for him to leave and to be able to help somewhere else, and for us to get a draft for that. Our time with Joe Flacco was great."
Sirianni was also asked if Hurts would be interested in sitting down to have a look at Minshew for the starter. He answered, "No." He then said, "No."
Although the Jets were open to resigning Flacco during free agency, they chose not to bring in any experience backups.
Flacco was Sam Darnold’s primary backup and started four games last season when Darnold suffered a shoulder injury. Flacco struggled in three games, and the Jets lost them all. He had a 262-yard, three touchdown performance against the New England Patriots that was his best game.
Flacco completed 74 out of 134 passes, for 864 yards and six touchdowns, as well as three interceptions.
