The Indianapolis Colts added Joe Flacco to its roster this past offseason, not as a starter, but to help their young quarterback develop into a star.
The Indianapolis Colts signed free-agent quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco replaces quarterback Gardner Minshew, who left Indianapolis for the Las Vegas Raiders. Previous reports have pegged the deal as a one-year commitment worth up to $8.7 million, including a $4.5 million signing bonus.
His role will be as a mentor to the young phenom Anthony Richardson.
Joe Flacco: I'll help Anthony Richardson simplify the game and play fast. https://t.co/MnjD7aXiVj
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 22, 2024
Joe Flacco, Mentor for Indianapolis Colts
Flacco’s role should be expected at this point in his career. He is a solid veteran backup who should provide a helping hand within any organization’s quarterback room. His style may differ from Richardson’s, but his ability to play quarterback at a high level should not be questioned after last season.
According to Pro Football Talk, he believes he can help Richardson do that after the younger quarterback’s rookie season ended early because of a shoulder injury.
“It’s about being in the room with him; a lot of conversations naturally come up when you spend so much time together,” Flacco said, via Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. “Being able to bring the experience and help him simplify things, go out there, play fast, and use his skill set the way he wants to.”
Anthony Richardson showed flashes of elite play in the limited time he has had this season. Richardson started four games before heading to injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
“After consultation with our medical staff, Anthony, and those close to him, it has been determined that he will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder, which will end his season,” Irsay wrote in a post on X.
Flacco was Surprised by the Browns
Flacco thought he had a shot at being back with the Cleveland Browns. However, he did not receive a call to return once the season concluded.
“It was obviously a little bit different than last offseason when I didn’t get any calls at all,” Flacco, 39, explained his free agency, which led to his signing with the Colts being officially announced Friday. “But even this offseason, I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. It wasn’t like I played a ton of games last year or anything like that, but I’m definitely grateful for Indy to reach out and have this as an opportunity.” (NFL.com)
Flacco won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award at the NFL Honors Night after stepping into the Browns’ starting quarterback role halfway through the season. His stellar play off the couch led the Browns to a playoff appearance but an eventual loss to the Houston Texans.
Some theorize that the threat of Flacco on the bench may cause Browns fans to call his name if starting quarterback Deshawn Watson’s play starts to drop. Instead, he is set to help out the Colts in any way he can.
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