Joe Flacco Welcomes Lamar Jackson with Open Arms, Says He Isn't Holding a Grudge

Baltimore Ravens starting quarterback Joe Flacco said Thursday he's not holding a grudge against rookie QB Lamar Jackson after the team traded up to the 32nd pick in the 2018 NFL draft to select the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner. 

"I think it's unfortunate that ... everybody wants to act like I'm holding some grudge," Flacco said to a group of reporters. "That's not how it is. We welcome Lamar here with open arms. That's the same for me."

Questions were raised about the relationship between the Super Bowl XLVII MVP and Jackson when the University of Louisville product said in early May he hadn't spoken to Flacco a week after the draft.

Baltimore features one of the league's most high-profile quarterback rooms with Flacco, Jackson and Robert Griffin III on the roster.

The Ravens upgraded their depth at the position following a lackluster 2017 campaign from the incumbent starter.

Flacco completed 64.1 percent of his throws for 3,141 yards with 18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while playing all 16 games last year.

While the 33-year-old New Jersey native is fully expected to remain atop the depth chart to open 2018, head coach John Harbaugh hinted Jackson could also be involved.

"We're gonna always try to get our players making plays for us. Lamar's a guy that can help us win games," he said during rookie minicamp.

The Ravens will hope Flacco, who owns a $24.75 million cap hit in his contract this season, is able to put together a bounce-back season. If he doesn't, the calls for Jackson could grow loud in Baltimore.