Quarterback Joe Flacco became a free agent in March. Before re-signing with the Bengals, he explored his options.
The Giants were not one of them.
According to a league source, Flacco had interest in the Giants. The Giants had no interest in Flacco.
At the time, the Giants had Jameis Winston under contract through 2026. He has since signed a two-year extension.
Flacco, who played with the Ravens and current Giants coach John Harbaugh for more than a decade, eventually returned to the Bengals on a one-year, $6 million deal. And the Bengals certainly wouldn’t have been willing to part with Flacco in the days since Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a knee injury; they should have Flacco around in case starter Joe Burrow suffers another injury.
Still, the Giants could have had Flacco in March. While they would never admit it, they can privately kick themselves for not reciprocating his interest in the offseason.
Instead, the Giants will continue with Winston, backed up by JJ McCarthy. They certainly hope Winston plays well enough to keep the job. If he doesn’t, McCarthy will surely get a chance at some point.