The Los Angeles Rams tried to sign free-agent quarterback Joe Flacco this offseason before making quarterback Ty Simpson their first-round pick, according to a report April 24 from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

In March, Flacco agreed to terms on a one-year deal to return to the Bengals.

Flacco, who turned 41 in January, played in nine games last season for Cincinnati, making six starts after Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury during a Week 2 win against Jacksonville.

Flacco passed for 1,664 yards with 13 touchdowns for the Bengals, and made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 18 NFL seasons.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported in March that Flacco, among 2025 Bengals eligible for free agency during the offseason, wanted an opportunity to at least compete for a starting job.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported March 2 that Flacco could be pursued in free agency by the Atlanta Falcons.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Rams pursued Joe Flacco before drafting Ty Simpson | Report