As the NFL offseason heats up, one name continues to float around quarterback-needy teams: Joe Flacco. Yes, that Joe Flacco - Super Bowl MVP, 41 years old, and still slinging it well enough to draw legitimate interest from multiple franchises. With free agency approaching, the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta Falcons are all reportedly eyeing the veteran signal-caller as a potential addition to their quarterback rooms.
Let’s start with Cincinnati. Flacco stepped in for the Bengals last season and held his own, even if the win-loss record doesn’t jump off the page.
In 10 starts - split between the Browns and Bengals - Flacco completed just over 60% of his passes, throwing for 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Not elite numbers, but when you consider the circumstances, they’re more than respectable.
He provided stability, leadership, and a deep-ball threat that kept defenses honest. For a Bengals team that saw Joe Burrow go down with injury, Flacco was the kind of veteran presence you want in a pinch.
Bringing him back as Burrow’s backup makes a lot of sense. He knows the system now, has built some chemistry with the locker room, and proved he can step in and manage games if needed. At this stage in his career, Flacco isn’t a long-term solution - but he’s still a capable arm who won’t be overwhelmed by the moment.
That said, Cincinnati might not be the only team knocking on his door.
Over in Indianapolis, the Colts are expected to retain Daniel Jones, who’s working his way back from a torn Achilles. While optimism surrounds his recovery, it’s far from a sure thing that he’ll be ready to go at full speed by training camp.
That’s where Flacco becomes an intriguing option. He’s not coming in to compete for the starting job, but if Jones needs a few extra weeks or suffers a setback, Flacco is the kind of steady hand who can keep things afloat.
The Falcons, meanwhile, are also in the mix. With Kirk Cousins reportedly on the way out, Atlanta could use a veteran to help bridge the gap - or mentor a young quarterback like Michael Penix Jr.
Flacco checks that box, too. He’s been around the league, seen every coverage, and has the kind of experience that could be invaluable to a developing QB.
If Atlanta wants someone who can lead a few drives while also helping shape the future of the position, Flacco’s a strong candidate.
What makes Flacco appealing to all three teams is the same: he’s affordable, reliable, and still has enough juice to be more than just a clipboard holder. He’s not going to light up the scoreboard every week, but if your starter goes down, he can keep you competitive. And in a league where backup quarterbacks often decide playoff races, that’s not something to overlook.
As Flacco heads into his 19th NFL season, he’s not chasing starting jobs - he’s chasing the right fit. Whether that’s a return to Cincinnati or a fresh start in Indianapolis or Atlanta, don’t be surprised if we see No. 5 (or whatever number he lands in) back under center at some point in 2026.