NASHVILLE – Joe Flacco is back, not that he ever left.
The 41-year-old quarterback is returning for his 19th NFL season after officially reaching a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday.
Flacco has experienced a lot during his NFL career – including being coached by new Titans coach Robert Saleh, his head coach with the New York Jets.
Earlier this offseason, TennesseeTitans.com talked to Flacco about Saleh, and what Titans players should expect from him.
"I'm happy for him," Flacco said of Saleh. "I liked him a lot when I was with him during my time in New York. I have a lot of respect for him as a coach, especially on that defensive side of the ball. I think he is going to get those guys right. I think they have a good one."
Flacco had two different stints with the Jets while Saleh served as head coach from 2021-2024. Flacco spent the second half of the 2021 season with Saleh after being traded, and he was back for the 2022 season, beginning the year, and ending it, as the starter.
Flacco ended up playing in seven games, with five starts, during that stretch.
"He is intense, but he knows football and he is able to stay calm," Flacco said of Saleh. "He has been through a lot of different situations, and he has done it at all levels. I think he is going to bring that intensity (to Tennessee) but at the same time he is able to stay level-headed and lead those guys."
In Tennessee, Saleh hired Brian Daboll as his offensive coordinator, and the team has since added some key pieces in free agency to help quarterback Cam Ward and the offense.
The Titans signed receiver Wan'Dale Robinson and tight ends Daniel Bellinger and Kylen Granson in free agency, while also adding three linemen – center Austin Schlottman, guard Cordell Volson and tackle Austin Deculus. Others could be added later in free agency to compete, and the Titans will have options with nine picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Flacco thinks the addition of Daboll, Saleh, and others will help Ward.
"Getting those guys in a position to help the quarterback is always important," Flacco said. "And I think when you get good ones, when you get guys who can work together, then it can be really good.
"I think (Cam) should be excited about it."
