Broncos to acquire Ravens QB Flacco

Denver Broncos general manager John Elway’s off-season has begun with an aggressive move.

The Broncos will complete a trade next month for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, a source confirmed this morning.

ESPN was first to report the deal. The trade will become official at 2 p.m. on March 13, the first day NFL teams are allowed to execute deals and sign other teams’ free agents. A source said the Broncos are expected to give up one of their two fourth-round picks.

New Broncos coach Vic Fangio was on the Ravens staff as a defensive assistant during Flacco’s first two seasons (2008-09).

Flacco, 34, sustained a hip injury at the mid-point of 2018 and lost his starting job to rookie Lamar Jackson, who helped the Ravens to an AFC North title.

The Broncos clearly felt there were other teams interested in Flacco, who was expected to be released if no trade was completed. Thus, the urgency to complete the trade a month in advance.

The deal came together quickly. “Within the last two days,” a league source said. “Seems like a good move for both teams.”

Why it could be good for the Broncos: They feel their quarterback question is solved. A source said Flacco is “absolutely a perfect fit,” for new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello’s system, which includes the quarterback playing under center and an emphasis on taking shots downfield.

Flacco’s arrival means the end of Case Keenum as the starter in Denver after one year. The Broncos could keep Keenum with a re-worked deal to be the backup, attempt to trade him or cut him and absorb a $10 million dead salary cap hit.

A source said Elway has already talked to Keenum about Flacco’s arrival.