The Baltimore Ravens made a significant move in the first round of the draft when they traded up to No. 32 to grab quarterback Lamar Jackson. Naturally, that move has led to some questions about incumbent QB Joe Flacco’s future with the team.
However, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has clarified that the team is still behind Flacco as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season and that Jackson would get the time to develop behind the veteran.
“Joe Flacco is our quarterback,” John Harbaugh said, via the team's official website. “That's the thing we have to remember. Lamar's going to have a great chance to develop… This really doesn’t change things in a sense that we’re going to go with Joe, and Joe’s going to roll.”
Flacco is coming off a disappointing 2017 season where he had just 3,141 passing yards and 18 touchdowns – his lowest totals during a full season since his rookie year. The Ravens, who seem intent on trying to win this year, have surrounded Flacco with more weapons this offseason by adding veterans Michael Crabtree and John Brown, as well as Willie Snead.
Flacco may be the starter for now, but given the 33-year-old's advancing age, diminishing play, and costly contract, the fact that the Ravens got up and drafted a quarterback in the first round does not bode well for his long-term future with the team.
As for Jackson, he’ll be in an ideal situation in Baltimore where he won’t be under immediate pressure and can develop for the next year or two. Apart from Flacco, he’ll also have Robert Griffin III as a mentor who can help him translate his dynamic style of play to the NFL. If he can successfully do so, he has the upside to be a worthy successor to Flacco in Baltimore.
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