Joe Flacco: I don’t expect to be traded to the Giants after Jaxson Dart’s injury

New York Giants rookie Jaxson Dart is out for the season with an injury, and Jameis Winston has been handed the job of leading the team in his absence. These circumstances sparked speculation about the Giants’ possible interest in a backup, with Cincinnati Bengals reserve Joe Flacco’s name mentioned. Flacco said he doesn’t expect to leave Cincinnati.

As NFL reports, Flacco dismissed the trade talk as inaccurate and explained that friends had sent him such messages, but he described the rumors as untrue.

The arguments against a trade are clear: with Joe Burrow’s injury history, the Bengals have little motivation to leave themselves without a reserve player who can carry the team if needed. Although in practice there is a veteran like Josh Johnson, Flacco is considered the safer option for maintaining continuity of play. Flacco said he is focused on working with the team, improving daily and preparing with the game plan.

The Giants gave Winston a contract extension and the club will give him time to lead the offense before making big moves; if the situation becomes so serious that help is needed, the season may already be compromised. NFL also notes that for the Bengals it would make little sense to trade a 41-year-old backup who is not expected to change the long-term direction of the season.