As of the 2025 season, Joe Flacco is actively playing in the NFL after signing with the Denver Broncos in March 2025. He entered the league as the first overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, earning Super Bowl XLVII MVP in his rookie campaign. Flacco previously played for the Los Angeles Rams (2023–2024) and has spent multiple stints with the Ravens across his career. Flacco remains on Denver’s roster heading into training camp, competing for the starting quarterback position while managing the veteran presence behind center.
Career Overview and Early Achievements
Flacco played college football at the University of Delaware before declaring for the 2008 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Ravens with the first overall pick. In his rookie season, he led Baltimore to a Super Bowl XLVII victory over the 49ers, completing 287 of 461 passes for 3,817 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions and earning Super Bowl MVP honors. He signed a then-record six-year, $90 million contract extension in 2013. Flacco was known for his quick release, efficient decision-making, and strong performances in the postseason, including multiple 300+ yard games during his prime.
Recent Teams and Current Status
Baltimore Ravens Tenure and Return
Flacco spent the majority of his career with the Ravens, serving as the franchise quarterback from 2008 through 2018. After leaving Baltimore as a free agent, he returned for two separate stints: first in 2019 after an injury to Lamar Jackson, and again from 2020 to 2022. During these returns, he provided veteran leadership and depth, appearing in regular season and playoff contests, including AFC Championship runs. His experience proved invaluable in mentoring younger quarterbacks and navigating high-stakes games.
Los Angeles Rams Period (2023–2024)
In 2023, Flacco signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams, serving as a backup to Matthew Stafford and later to Stetson Bennett during the 2024 season. He saw limited action, primarily in late-game or garbage-time situations, while focusing on pitch counts and preparation for potential emergency appearances. His time in Los Angeles emphasized his role as a reliable backup and situational quarterback, maintaining his readiness for NFL action.
Denver Broncos Signing (2025)
In March 2025, Flacco signed a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos, reuniting with head coach Sean Payton and joining a competitive quarterback room. He entered training camp battling for the starting job against veteran Russell Wilson and emerging options. Flacco’s familiarity with multiple offensive systems, strong arm, and clutch pedigree made him a compelling candidate for Denver’s rotation. He ultimately won the starting position for Week 1 of the 2025 season, guiding the Broncos in their early-season matchups.
Contract Details and Earnings
Flacco’s career earnings include his original draft compensation, multi-year extensions, and veteran-minimum or incentive-laden deals later in his career. Notable contracts:
| Team | Contract Type | Value | Year(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Ravens (Rookie) | Super Bowl XLVII MVP Bonus + Extension | ~$90 million | 2013–2018 | Six-year extension, signed after 2012 season |
| Baltimore Ravens | 2020 Return | 1-year veteran minimum | 2020 | Facilitate Lamar Jackson’s development |
| Los Angeles Rams | Backup Contract | 1-year league minimum | 2023–2024 | Limited snaps; depth role |
| Denver Broncos | 1-Year Starter Deal | ~$10–12 million (estimated) | 2025 | Starting QB for 2025 season |
Performance Metrics and Reliability
Flacco’s career passer rating of 93.2 ranks among the top quarterbacks of his era. He has completed 65.9% of his passes for 27,541 yards, 191 touchdowns, and 99 interceptions through the 2024 season. His career high in single-season passing yards is 3,986 (2015), and he has thrown for at least 25 touchdowns in multiple seasons. Flacco is one of only a few quarterbacks with multiple 3,000-yard seasons and a Super Bowl victory in his first year as a starter.
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Career Passer Rating | 93.2 | Above league average; top 20 all-time among starters |
| Super Bowl Wins | 1 (XLVII) | Rookie MVP performance |
| 3,000+ Yard Seasons | 4 | Includes 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 |
| TD-to-INT Ratio | 1.93:1 | 191 TDs vs 99 INTs |
| Postseason Appearances | 7 | Playoff games across multiple seasons |
Playing Style and Strengths
Flacco is a methodical pocket passer who excels at reading defenses and making efficient throws. He benefits from strong pre-snap recognition, allowing him to identify coverages and adjust protections. His quick delivery reduces pressure exposure, and his deep-ball accuracy remains reliable despite age. Flacco’s experience in high-leverage situations—late-game drives, red-zone efficiency, and playoff comebacks—differentiates him from younger counterparts who may lack postseason exposure.
What to Expect Next
Heading into the 2025 season, Flacco remains the presumed starter for Denver but will face competition in practice and preseason games. His contract is structured as a one-year deal, giving the Broncos flexibility to reassess post-season. If Denver’s offense leans more heavily on the run game or another young signal-caller develops, Flacco’s role could shift to mentorship or rotational duties. His focus remains on contributing to wins, leveraging his extensive play-calling familiarity with multiple offensive schemes.
Conclusion
Joe Flacco is still playing in 2025, having secured a starting role with the Denver Broncos after stints with Baltimore and Los Angeles. His combination of experience, accuracy, and postseason success continues to provide value at the professional level. While age and evolving rosters introduce variables, Flacco remains a capable and respected quarterback who can impact games on any given Sunday.