Patriots Reportedly Split on Joe Flacco Signing

The buzz around the New England Patriots and their quarterback plan for 2024 is growing as free agency approaches. It appears the Pats are at least considering going the veteran route this offseason, with Baker Mayfield being mentioned as one target at the combine.

New England could also sign a vet as a "bridge" type of QB to mentor a young signal-caller, especially if the team uses the No. 3 pick on a young gunslinger.

That opens the door for someone like Joe Flacco to be inked in free agency, but it seems Pats decision-makers aren't in agreement on the former Baltimore Raven.

Mass Live's Mark Daniels, Karen Guregian and Chris Mason all provided some Patriots intel from the combine in a column on Sunday. Of the tidbits included, this group revealed the split thinking on Flacco within New England.

They note Flacco's supporters "see him as the ideal pairing with a first-round pick," while his detractors "see little sense in signing a 39-year-old pocket passer who began last season on the couch and was exposed in the playoffs."

This argument may be rooted in staffers hoping the team goes for a top free-agent QB. After all, Flacco would be the perfect bridge quarterback to start for a season while a youngster learns behind them, so pushing back against him doesn't make sense in that context.

However, the reveal this past week that Mayfield has fans within the building could show some are hoping New England gets a legit starter instead of banking on another youngster to pan out. Mayfield is just one of several options to immediately upgrade under center, as the likes of Kirk Cousins, Ryan Tannehill and Russell Wilson could also be up for grabs this spring.

It's good the Pats are considering any avenue to improve at quarterback, not just for 2024 but beyond as well. The debates within the building should ultimately help the team determine its best path forward.

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