Ismail: Flacco’s future depends on the weapons Broncos provide the QB

Among the big questions arising after the news the Denver Broncos have a deal in principle to trade for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is what exactly will the veteran signal-caller look like with his new team.

On Friday, former Ravens wide receiver Qadry Ismail told “The Drive” it really depends on who the Broncos surround Flacco with on offense.

“I think what you’re going to get is you’re going to get a guy that, if surrounded by some guys that are ruthless in their aggressive play — they’re going to be able to make catches or run the ball — he’s going to look great,” Ismail said. “If you get guys that are looking for him to somehow elevate their game, if they’re just kind of standard players, then you’re going to a Joe Flacco who will probably force some things and, unfortunately, lose games for you.”

Ismail called Flacco a “fiery competitor,” though from an outside perspective it may not appear to be the case.

“Joe is Joe. … He is as introverted as it gets. He’s going to be as steady as it gets. He won’t throw anyone under the bus,” Ismail said. “He’s going to come in front of the media, he’s going to take whatever responsibility that’s on his shoulder, and he’s just going to walk away and he’s going to do his thing.”

“With that said, if you ask guys in the locker room, you’ll see guys loving Joe Flacco, loving to play with him, realizing he’s a fiery competitor.”

And with “ruthless” players around him, Ismail said Flacco is a “guy that can play.”

“You give him some ruthless players, he’s going to win more often times than lose. I promise you that,” Ismail said.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.