NFL

Joe Flacco joining Colts in free agency for a 17th NFL season

Joe Flacco has found a new home. 

The former Browns, Jets, Broncos and Ravens quarterback has agreed to a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 

The deal is worth up to $8.7 million and guarantees $4.5 million, according to the report. 

The signing comes shortly after the Raiders had signed former Colts backup quarterback Gardner Minshew to a one-year deal, which included $15 million in guaranteed money. 

Browns quarterback Joe Flacco celebrates after a touchdown during the team’s NFL wild-card playoff football game. AP

That opened the door for Flacco in Indy to back up Colts starter Anthony Richardson. 

Flacco, 39, brings a wealth of experience to the position for Indianapolis and has a Super Bowl ring to his name after leading the Ravens to a championship in 2013. 

The QB has 43,936 passing yards, 245 touchdowns and 155 interceptions to his name over the course of his 16 NFL seasons. 

Flacco made five appearances for the Browns in 2023 completing 123 passes for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also throwing eight interceptions. 

Joe Flacco of the Cleveland Browns poses on the red carpet at the NFL Honors award show. AP

He ended up in Cleveland after the team dealt with a number of injury issues, including to Deshaun Watson who was lost for the season after a shoulder injury. 

The Browns signed Flacco in November and he quickly found his way into the starter’s role to end the regular season to help Cleveland reach the playoffs, winning the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award for his efforts.

Flacco had expressed hope toward the end of the season that he has had a positive impact during his time in the NFL.

Joe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball against the New York Jets Getty Images

“This is the 16th year I’ve been in this league,” Flacco told reporters in January. “You can tell guys look at you a little bit differently just because of that. I always say, ‘If I messed up in high school, I could be these kids dads.’ There is something that — they probably do look at me a little bit differently just because of that. To get a sense of what kind of impact, who knows? I’m just being myself and trying help them win games. I think that when you’re yourself, that’s the best chance you have to impact people. So hopefully I’ve had something.”