INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have 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.
"I know that this is a team, from knowing Shane (Steichen) – they’re well coached and they have the ability to be a playoff team and really make a run at it," Flacco said at a news conference Friday on joining the team.
Members of the media asked Flacco about his thoughts on quarterback Anthony Richardson, who suffered multiple injuries in his rookie season.
“I think we all see what kind of athlete he is and what kind of arm he has and all those types of things. That’s why I said earlier, for me being here, it’s teaching him how to simplify, play fast and use those tools as opposed to trying to process certain things that you don’t really need to worry about and you go out there and you’re not even able to use your skillset the way you want to. You kind of slow yourself down a little bit," Flacco said. "As long as he can utilize those skills and play in a fast and efficient manner, then I think the sky is the limit.”
Flacco was home in New Jersey with his family when Cleveland called him in November. He went 4-1 in five starts and passed for over 300 yards in four straight games with 13 touchdown passes. However, he threw a pair of pick-sixes in the Wild Card playoff game in Houston that helped the Texans clinch a 45-14 victory.
He wanted to stay in Cleveland to back up Deshaun Watson, but the Browns didn’t make him an offer, agent Joe Linta told the AP.
Instead, the Browns are bringing in Jameis Winston to serve as Watson's backup.
Flacco turned down an offer from the Philadelphia Eagles to join the Colts. The Saints also had interest in the veteran QB.
Flacco has played in 188 games and has thrown for 245 touchdowns and 155 interceptions for a 84.2 passer rating. He also has 864 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. He won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens and was named Super Bowl MVP.
Flacco was originally selected by Baltimore in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
