At 8-5, the Indianapolis Colts are pushing the panic button in the wake of Daniel Jones‘ injury, but they could find a way to acquire veteran Joe Flacco before their next game. An idea was pitched from sources that Flacco could request a release from the Cincinnati Bengals and sign with the Colts for the remainder of the 2025 season. The Colts don’t have a ton of options, but this could be good news for Flacco, to give him a legitimate shot to win another Super Bowl before he calls it a career. The team lost Anthony Richardson as well this year, and with an unproven Riley Leonard stepping in, this is the last resort for Indianapolis.
Former Ravens Legend Joe Flacco Could Request Release to Join Colts
The fit feels right for several reasons since the Bengals are already mathematically out of the postseason. The Bengals won’t commit to Flacco, of course, because of Joe Burrow, who remains the future of this Cincinnati offense. However, the Colts would surely use a guy like Flacco since they’re in third place in their division, trailing behind the Jaguars and Texans, who both defeated the Chiefs this season.
If the Bengals decide to honor the potential request from Flacco, it shouldn’t be a surprise if the Colts sign him the next day. Originally selected in the 2008 NFL Draft, the former Ravens Super Bowl champion is one of the oldest players in the league. It’s been a rollercoaster for him this season since he started as the starter for the Browns before getting traded to Cincinnati before the deadline. The world tour will continue for Flacco, and if he doesn’t get an opportunity this year, he should receive some interest this upcoming offseason.
Potential 2026 Destinations
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are one of the worst teams in football. Despite overhauling their entire offensive scheme and hiring Pete Carroll, the Raiders haven’t found their rhythm. It’s hard to see Geno Smith return as the starting quarterback next year unless they commit to him otherwise by drafting a few pass-catchers and signing free agents that can bolster the offense. Las Vegas attempted to get something out of first-round pick Ashton Jeanty, but due to a poor offensive line, they were unsuccessful this year.
However, this gives the Raiders a chance to sign a low-stakes veteran quarterback in March. Flacco isn’t going to play more than three more years, but he should be a solid starter if the Raiders decide to release Smith.
Miami Dolphins
Meanwhile, the Dolphins will need to start from scratch. After losing Tyreek Hill to a gruesome season-ending injury, the expectation is that he won’t return and will become a free agent. This means it will be rebuild mode for the Dolphins, which puts quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel on the hot seat.
The Dolphins have two quarterbacks on the roster, Zach Wilson and rookie Quinn Ewers, but they may draft one for depth. However, they should consider signing Flacco for that role to take over the starting duties until Ewers is ready.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints had their own disastrous 2025 campaign. After failing to get Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler acclimated to this offense, the Saints will likely take a quarterback in the first round in April. Despite that, the Saints should consider Flacco as an emergency starter for an offensive unit that has talent to take them far enough to at least a winning record.
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