Joe Flacco’s improbable NFL comeback could be taking another fascinating step.
The Patriots have emerged as a potential suitor for the veteran quarterback’s services, with longtime Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot reporting Thursday that New England is “interested in possibly signing Flacco as a bridge starter to help mentor a rookie quarterback if they select one at No. 3 overall.”
The 39-year-old Flacco won the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award last season, joining the Browns in November to help lead the team to a 4-1 record in five regular-season starts following starter Deshaun Watson’s season-ending surgery.
He threw 1,616 total passing yards in those games.
The idea that Flacco could return to the NFL and light the world ablaze seemed very farfetched before his career resurgence in Cleveland.
Between 2019-22, the Broncos and Jets went a combined 3-14 in games started by Flacco.
Cabot also noted in Thursday’s report that Alex Van Pelt, who served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator and quarterback coach last season — and thus worked closely with Flacco — now holds the coordinator role on Jerod Mayo’s staff in New England.
Watson will be returning from injury next season and is presumed to be the Browns’ starter, as it will be his third season in a five-year, $230 million contract that is fully guaranteed.
Flacco, Cabot writes, “has his sights set on a starting role and has no desire to be a backup next season with his starting window narrowing.”
Flacco’s family relished his comeback last season.
“We know he’s very capable,” Flacco’s father, Stephen, told The Post in December.
“People call him old, but I’m going to tell you, he’s bigger, stronger, moves better than people give him credit for, than most of the guys that play that position, I don’t care if he’s 100 years old.”
Nevertheless, the Jets insisted they did not regret neglecting to call Flacco in the wake of Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury just four plays into September’s season opener.
“Never regret,’’ head coach Robert Saleh said in December. “You always go into things with what you hope being a sound decision. Every decision we make comes with deep thought and logic. But no, there’s no regret.’’