**Key Takeaways:**
– The Indianapolis Colts have secured a one-year contract with seasoned quarterback Joe Flacco, valued at up to $8.7 million.
– Flacco, the previous season’s NFL Comeback Player of the Year with the Cleveland Browns, is guaranteed $4.5 million under this new agreement.
– In his role with the Colts, Flacco will serve as both backup and mentor to sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson, offering stability following Richardson’s injury-prone rookie year.
– The departure of Gardner Minshew to the Las Vegas Raiders positions Flacco as a vital addition to the Colts, promising to enhance the team’s offensive capabilities with his arm strength.
– Flacco’s notable achievements include leading the Browns to a playoff spot last season and his historical performance as the first NFL quarterback to throw over 250 yards with multiple touchdowns in his first five games with a new team.
– Despite a successful season, Flacco and the Browns were eliminated in the first playoff round by the Houston Texans.
– Flacco, a Super Bowl MVP and winner with the Baltimore Ravens, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure across several NFL teams.
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In a strategic move to bolster their roster, the Indianapolis Colts have finalized a one-year contract with Joe Flacco, the accomplished quarterback, for a deal that could reach $8.7 million, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Flacco, who previously played for the Cleveland Browns and clinched the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, is set to receive a guaranteed sum of $4.5 million.
Flacco’s arrival in Indianapolis is not just about adding depth to the quarterback position; it’s about bringing in a seasoned mentor for Anthony Richardson, the team’s second-year quarterback. Richardson’s rookie year was marred by injuries, including a season-ending shoulder injury and a concussion, which sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. Flacco’s presence is expected to provide a sense of stability and guidance for the young quarterback.
The Colts found themselves in need of a reliable backup quarterback following Gardner Minshew’s departure to the Las Vegas Raiders. Flacco, with his impressive arm strength, is seen as an upgrade and a player who can invigorate the Colts’ offense, which lacked the deep-ball threat last season, according to Colts coach Shane Steichen. The combination of Richardson and Flacco equips the Colts with two of the most powerful arms in the league.
Flacco’s journey to Indianapolis followed a remarkable stint with the Browns, where he joined the practice squad in November after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury. Making his first start just two weeks later, Flacco made history by becoming the first quarterback to throw for over 250 yards and multiple touchdowns in his first five games with a new team. His efforts propelled the Browns to a four-game winning streak and a playoff berth as the AFC’s No. 5 seed. Flacco ended the regular season with 1,616 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions over five games. However, the Browns’ playoff run was cut short by a loss to the Houston Texans, where Flacco’s performance was marred by two pick-sixes in the second half.
At 39, Flacco brings a wealth of experience to the Colts. His illustrious career includes a Super Bowl victory and MVP title with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, alongside significant tenures with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles. His career stats boast 43,936 passing yards and 245 touchdowns, underscoring the depth of experience and leadership he brings to the Colts’ quarterback room.