NFL: With Zach Wilson out, the Jets trade for Eagles quarterback Joe Flacco
The New York Jets have acquired Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Joe Flacco a day after rookie quarterback Zach Wilson sustained a knee injury. After NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo first reported the news, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed the deal to beat reporters Monday afternoon.
According to NFL Network, the Jets are sending the Eagles a sixth-round pick, which could rise to a fifth-round pick depending on how much Flacco plays.
Wilson was injured in the second quarter of Sunday’s loss to the New England Patriots and had to leave the game. On a collision by linebacker Matthew Judon, his right knee was twisted. He didn’t show up for the rest of the game.
Wilson was replaced by Mike White, who was playing in his first NFL game. In the 54-13 loss, he completed 20 of 32 passes for 202 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions as a fifth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.
Wilson allegedly suffered a sprained PCL, which will keep him out for 2-4 weeks, according to an MRI on Monday. On Sunday, Wilson told reporters he felt a pop in his knee and thought it was loose. According to him, the team considered a PCL sprain to be the “best-case scenario.”
Until Wilson is cleared to return, Flacco, a 13-year NFL veteran who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, is expected to take over at quarterback. Flacco last appeared in the NFL in 2020, making five appearances for the Jets, including four starts in place of an injured Sam Darnold. In Darnold’s place, he completed 55.2 percent of his throws for 864 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. During the offseason, he signed with the Eagles as a free agent.
With Flacco’s departure, Gardner Minshew will serve as Jalen Hurts’ primary backup in Philadelphia.