NY Jets: Why the Joe Flacco trade makes sense for Gang Green

On Monday afternoon, Jets head coach Robert Saleh addressed the media, providing this positive spin on Zach Wilson's injury.

"I don't think it's a setback. It's always good to be able to step away and watch the offense through the lens of another quarterback"

- Robert Saleh

Although Mike White played reasonably well, all things considered, in relief of Wilson on Sunday, the lens of another quarterback the Jets want Wilson to learn from is former Super Bowl MVP and veteran quarterback Joe Flacco.

On the surface, the Jets' trade for Flacco is a reactionary move to Zach Wilson's injury. And in some respects it is, but it was made by Joe Douglas and his staff with the knowledge that Wilson will be back in the lineup in a few games.

A short-term stint on injured reserve for Wilson is possible, but barring a setback, he should be back starting in the team's final seven or eight games. So the move for Flacco isn't just about the short term or Wilson's injury, although it's related.

The trade for Flacco is all about Wilson's development the rest of this season. Better late than never, but the Jets' are looking to assist Wilson with a veteran presence in their quarterback room.

Whether that means Flacco taking over the reins of the offense to show Wilson what's expected of him or to help guide him on the sidelines and in meeting rooms, Flacco was brought in specifically to help Wilson.

The fact that Douglas brought back Flacco tells you all that you need to know about his opinion of him and how he is a fit in the role the Jets want the veteran to fulfill. The experience that Douglas had with the Baltimore Ravens organization is what made him bring Flacco into the Jets fold a year ago.

The valid criticism then is, why didn't Joe Douglas bring Joe Flacco back after the 2020 season? He could and probably should have.

However, it's common knowledge that the Jets wanted Flacco back this past offseason, but that Flacco wanted to explore opportunities elsewhere, which landed him in Philadelphia.

Flacco has experience in a version of the Jets' current offensive system. He worked with current Jets quarterbacks coach Rob Calabrese in Denver, and spent time with current 49ers quarterbacks coach and then Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello in 2019, who is also from the Shanahan coaching tree.