NFL 2018 preview: 5 quarterbacks with a lot on the line this season

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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the field in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

team. 26. . . . Joe Flacco. 2

Remember back when Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was considered the next elite signal-caller?

That was after his Super Bowl-winning 2012 campaign. And while Flacco has had some good seasons since, the 33 year old is now coming off something of a forgettable effort last year. In 2017, Flacco finished 25th in the league in passer rating (80.4), which was tied with the New York Giants’ Eli Manning — a player who found himself benched at a point last season.

One could call it a down year. After all, Flacco didn’t have much help at wide receiver. And there are still questions about the offensive line.

But that was all before the Ravens moved up into the back end of Round 1 of the NFL Draft to take Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson.

CBS Sports’ John Breech later reported Flacco wasn’t exactly warm to Jackson joining the team, writing:

"With Jackson now in Baltimore, Flacco probably should be worried. CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora has already said that he doesn’t expect Flacco to be with the Ravens much longer."

On one hand, a promising and talent like Jackson looking over Flacco’s shoulder could be exactly what the veteran needs to return to his former days.

Yet on the other, Baltimore is clearly looking to a future without Flacco.