15 March 2024 , 03:00
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Joe Flacco, the 16-year NFL veteran quarterback, has landed a big payday with a one-year deal worth $8.7 million (£6.5 million) with the Indianapolis Colts.
It comes after his impressive five-game performance last season with the Cleveland Browns, showing he's still got what it takes and earning the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year.
At 39 years old, the Super Bowl winner's new contract is more than double the value of his last four NFL contracts. His deal reportedly includes $4.5 million (£3.4 million) in guaranteed money, which is more than he earned during his time with the Browns and nearly the same amount over two separate contracts with the New York Jets.
During the 2023 regular season, Flacco revived his career by throwing for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He was sacked just eight times, the third-lowest tally of his career when playing less than ten games.
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After leading the Browns to the playoffs his market was bigger than expected and before joining Indianapolis, there were rumours that the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints were interested in him.
Interestingly, Jameis Winston, who was the Saints' backup last season, took over Flacco's role in Cleveland after signing a one-year, $4 million (£3 million) deal with the Browns just one day before Flacco's signing.
During a recent chat on the 'Pardon My Take' podcast, Flacco shared his thoughts about possibly going back to the Browns. However, when the team signed Winston, rumours started that the team didn't even offer him a veteran deal.
"Cleveland was unbelievable," Flacco said during the podcast. "I'm definitely open to returning, but I didn't want to rush making a decision. The market for QBs looked similar to last spring, and so I don't know if I'll have lots of options or little options."
Flacco won Super Bowl XLVII when he was named MVP as the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers
Joe Flacco more than doubled last year's Cleveland salary after signing with the Colts for next season (Getty)Flacco holds many records for the Ravens, including passing yards, touchdown passes, and completions. He's also set several records in the postseason, like being the fastest quarterback to throw for 5,000 yards [achieving this in his 15th game] and holding the record for the most postseason road victories by a quarterback.
Joe Flacco's NFL contract history
Indianapolis Colts [2024]
- Contract length: 1 year
- Contract value: $8.7 million
Cleveland Browns [2023]
- Contract length: 1 year
- Contract value: $2.5 million
New York Jets [2022]
- Contract length: 1 year
- Contract value: $3.5 million
Philadelphia Eagles [2021]
- Contract length: 1 year
- Contract value: $3.5 million
New York Jets [2020]
- Contract length: 1 year
- Contract value: $1.5 million
Baltimore Ravens: [2016-2021]
- Contract length: 3 years
- Contract value: $66.4 million
Baltimore Ravens: [2013-2018]
- Contract length: 6 years
- Contract value: $120.6 million
Baltimore Ravens: [2008-2012]
- Contract length: 5 years
- Contract value: $29.75 million