How we graded Colts signing QB Joe Flacco in free agency

The Indianapolis Colts found their backup quarterback in the form of Joe Flacco, who agreed to a one-year deal in free agency Wednesday evening.

With Anthony Richardson on the rebound from shoulder surgery, the Colts lacked a viable backup option. This became even more true when free-agent quarterback Gardner Minshew signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The contract may seem a bit steep at $8.7 million and $4.5 million guaranteed, but the other options for the Colts weren’t better.

Bringing in Flacco seems like a savvy move. The Colts get a certified veteran to help the development of Richardson. Flacco, 39, is such a veteran that he’s older than head coach Shane Steichen, 38.

It’s also a viable move because Flacco does have some experience working with Steichen. He spent the 2021 offseason and half of the regular season with the Philadelphia Eagles, which was Steichen’s first season as offensive coordinator. He was then traded to the New York Jets in October of that season.

Despite his advanced age, Flacco proved in 2023 that he still has an affinity to air the ball out downfield. That was one area that Minshew struggled with during his starts in 2023. It was a frustrating point and seemed to have limited the offense a bit.

While that gunslinger mindset certainly has the chance of hurting an offense due to the higher chance of turnovers, it also maximizes the upside of the offense because more explosive plays can be on the docket.

Flacco’s arrival also should help the development of Richardson from a processing standpoint. Richardson already showed some impressive development before his injury, but there’s not much Flacco hasn’t seen going into his 17th season.

Overall, this seems like a solid move on paper. The contract may be a bit steep for a backup, but Flacco would give the Colts a chance to win if Richardson dealt with more injury issues.

Grade: B