The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their first big move of the offseason, hiring former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy to take over the reins in the Steel City. Now, the focus shifts to the most important position in football - quarterback - and the options on the table are as intriguing as they are complex.
One name that’s starting to gain traction in Pittsburgh circles? Joe Flacco.
Yes, that Joe Flacco - the Super Bowl XLVII MVP, the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year, and the longtime face of the Baltimore Ravens’ offense. At 41 years old and heading into what would be his 19th NFL season, Flacco isn’t ready to hang up the cleats just yet.
Speaking on the "BMore Football Podcast" this week, Flacco made it clear that the fire still burns. “I don't think that's hit me yet,” he said, when asked about the idea of walking away.
“A lot of guys talk about falling out of love with the game or just kind of knowing. I don't think that's hit me yet.”
That sentiment alone says a lot. Flacco knows he’s not the same quarterback who once led the Ravens to a title with an unforgettable playoff run, but he also believes age doesn’t have to be the end of the story.
“We talk about 40 being an old age, but in the grand scheme of things, I don't really think you're that old,” he said. “I think we've had a couple guys in front of me that are the best to ever do it that have shown if you want to do it, you can still play at a high level.”
That’s not just idle talk - Flacco’s late-season surge with the Browns in 2023 was proof that he’s still got something left in the tank. He stepped into a chaotic quarterback situation in Cleveland and stabilized the offense, leading the Browns to the playoffs and earning Comeback Player of the Year honors in the process.
Now, the idea of Flacco wearing black and gold might take some getting used to, especially after 11 seasons with the rival Ravens. Even Flacco admitted it would feel “a little bit different.”
“There’s something about the Steelers that seems a little bit different because they were our rival for so many years,” he said. “But at the end of the day, I play football because I love it.
It is a job of mine. If somebody is hiring me, that is a pretty big deal.”
That’s a telling quote. Flacco isn’t chasing nostalgia - he’s chasing snaps. And for a team like the Steelers, who are still searching for stability under center, a veteran like Flacco could bring a calming presence to a young, developing quarterback room.
Over his 18-year career, Flacco has thrown for 48,176 yards and 272 touchdowns, with 172 interceptions. He’s played for six different franchises - the Ravens, Broncos, Jets, Browns, Colts, and Bengals - and has seen just about every kind of offensive system and locker room dynamic the league has to offer.
That kind of experience doesn’t just show up in the stat sheet - it shows up in the film room, on the sideline, and in the huddle. Whether it’s in Pittsburgh or somewhere else, Flacco’s value now might be more about what he brings as a mentor than what he delivers on the field.
One potential landing spot mentioned is New Orleans, where Flacco could serve as a backup and mentor to Tyler Shough. The rookie put together a solid first season - 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 11 games - and having a seasoned vet like Flacco in his ear could help accelerate his development.
At this stage in his career, Flacco isn’t looking to be the face of a franchise again. But for a team in transition, looking to bridge the gap between now and whatever comes next at quarterback, he might be exactly what they need - a steady hand, a sharp football mind, and a guy who, even at 41, still loves the grind.