by Meghan Hall
On Wednesday, the Indianapolis Colts announced the signing of quarterback Joe Flacco, an experienced veteran who will sit behind Anthony Richardson.
Flacco joined the Colts on a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million, including $4.5 million guaranteed, after earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors with the Cleveland Browns in relief of an injured Deshaun Watson.
Flacco brings 16 years of experience, including playing in Super Bowl XLII, where he won a championship and the MVP trophy. Last season, he was on his couch when the Cleveland Browns called to get him back on the field. They needed help after DeShaun Watson went down with an injury.
Flacco appeared in five regular-season games and one playoff game against the Houston Texans. During that stretch, he threw for 1,923 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Adding Flacco to the roster is a reasonably solid move. Given the lack of available backup quarterbacks in free agency, Flacco is the ideal backup for Richardson.
For example, the Colts often struggled to push the ball down the field with Gardner Minshew when Richardson was out. Despite being 39 years old, Flacco can still air it out very well. That’s got to make Shane Steichen and his staff feel a sense of relief. The amount of explosive plays they have drawn up in the playbook shouldn’t have to take a backseat if Flacco steps in.
Also, Richardson’s learning with Flacco in the locker room will get a boost. During training camp last season, Gardner Minshew spoke very highly of Richardson’s innate ability to always be curious and ask questions.
That likely won’t change too much with Flacco, who recently said on the Pat McAfee Show that he is there to help out the quarterback room.
There isn’t much Flacco hasn’t seen across his 16 years in the NFL so this should turn out to be a positive development for Richardson’s career.
Originally posted on coltswire.usatoday.com