Jacksonville Jaguars: Looking at a potential trade for Joe Flacco

As the Jacksonville Jaguars look at quarterback options to replace Blake Bortles, is it possible Joe Flacco could be the signal-caller to succeed him?

The Jacksonville Jaguars offense may go through a major change over the offseason. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the team is expected to move forward without quarterback Blake Bortles, who started 72 games for the franchise:

Since the Jaguars decided to bench Bortles for Cody Kessler following a 24-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills, this report doesn’t come as a shocker. Now 4-9, Jacksonville needs a new starting signal-caller and play-caller. Head coach Doug Marrone opted to fire offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett along with the quarterback switch.

It’s reasonable to believe the Jaguars will take a rookie quarterback in the draft, but don’t rule out a trade for a veteran to keep this club competitive in the AFC South — one year removed from an appearance in the AFC Championship Game.

There are two major points to delve into when discussing a trade for a high-profile veteran quarterback. First, who’s available? Secondly, at what cost?

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Among the notable names set to hit the free-agent market, Teddy Bridgewater, Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith will become free agents in March.

Among the four, Bridgewater stands out as the ideal choice, but he may not be willing to leave a strong contender and a loaded offense in New Orleans. The Saints also surrendered a third-round pick to the New York Jets to acquire him, which suggests team brass could make a financial push for the 26-year old to stay and succeed Drew Brees.

The Jaguars can target Taylor, but he doesn’t have a reputation for stretching the field and challenging defenses with his perimeter weapons. Jacksonville will have Marqise Lee, Dede Westbrook, Keelan Cole and DJ Chark Jr. on the books beyond this season. Could the 29-year old signal-caller optimize that talent to balance the offense? Smith and Fitzpatrick profile as short-term stopgaps.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens have an intriguing situation with Lamar Jackson and Joe Flacco. The rookie signal-caller has won his first three starts, taking over for the veteran, who needed time to recover from a hip injury.

Flacco practiced this week leading up to the matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, but Jackson is expected to start his fourth consecutive game. If the 21-year old holds his starting position for the remainder of the season, it’s possible the Ravens may turn the reins over to him going forward.

Head coach John Harbaugh’s standing with the team and assistant general manager Eric DeCosta taking over bring up some uncertainties for the Ravens’ quarterback situation. However, the team drafted Jackson in the first round. With more than a handful of starts under his belt, it’s logical to roll with the future as opposed to going back to Flacco.

Jacksonville should attempt to pull off a trade similar to the Washington Redskins’ move for Alex Smith in January. Because the Jaguars are projected to be $12.8 million over the 2019 salary cap, per Spotrac, this scenario would require more moving parts.

It can be done if the front office dumps several contracts in the offseason:

• Release defensive tackle Malik Jackson – Save $11 million
• Release nose tackle Marcell Dareus – Save $10.6 million
• Release safety Barry Church – Save $6.3 million
• Release right tackle Jermey Parnell – Save $6 million
• Release running back Carlos Hyde – Save $4.75 million
• Release quarterback Blake Bortles – Save $4.5 million

Note: Contract savings courtesy of Over the Cap.

The Jaguars wouldn’t owe Dareus, Church, Parnell or Hyde any dead money if they’re released.

Rookie first-rounder Taven Bryan started at defensive tackle in the last outing against the Tennessee Titans; Jackson served in a backup role over the last two games. Dareus hasn’t been an effective interior pass-rusher since the 2014 campaign when he racked up 10 sacks. He has one in 12 starts this year. As primarily a run-stopper, the 28-year old isn’t worth a $10.6 million cap hit in 2019.

During the spring, the front office drafted the eventual replacements for Church and Parnell in safety Ronnie Harrison and offensive tackle Will Richardson. Both could emerge as cheaper starting options. Jacksonville can simply draft a running back to back up Leonard Fournette.

Based on the figures above, Jacksonville would save approximately $43.2 million. Keep in mind the cap space total raises every year. It would take several cap casualties, but the Jaguars could accommodate Flacco’s $26.5 million cap hit if they choose an aggressive route to a potential bounce-back season.

The incoming draft class doesn’t offer the standout names we saw this year. Nonetheless, the Jaguars could pick up a prospect such as Will Grier or Drew Lock and develop him while Flacco starts for two-to-three seasons. Although it’s a risky plan to stay competitive, Marrone will need to win right away to keep his job — assuming he’s retained beyond this year.