The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into a pivotal offseason, and one thing seems increasingly clear: they could be back in the quarterback market in 2026.
Aaron Rodgers, now 21 seasons deep into a legendary NFL career, faces an uncertain future. Retirement is on the table, and even if he decides to lace up the cleats for another run, there’s no guarantee it’ll be in black and gold. That leaves the Steelers with a looming question under center-and the answer might involve both youth and experience.
One name that’s been floated as a potential draft target is Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. The former five-star recruit has the tools to be a long-term solution, but as with any rookie, the transition to the NFL is rarely seamless. That’s where a veteran presence becomes crucial-and Joe Flacco could be the perfect fit for that role.
Yes, that Joe Flacco.
Flacco’s no stranger to the AFC North. He spent over a decade as the face of the Baltimore Ravens, guiding them to a Super Bowl title and plenty of playoff battles. More recently, he’s suited up for the Browns and Bengals, giving him a rare level of familiarity with every team in the division-including the Steelers.
In 2025, Flacco made 10 starts split between Cleveland and Cincinnati. His numbers-60.3% completion rate, 15 touchdowns, 10 interceptions-don’t jump off the page, and his 2-8 record as a starter reflects that he’s no longer the guy you build an offense around. But that’s not what Pittsburgh would be asking of him.
At this point in his career, Flacco is a bridge. A mentor.
A steadying presence in the quarterback room. And for a team potentially turning the page at both quarterback and head coach-Mike Tomlin has stepped down after a remarkable run-having a veteran like Flacco in the building makes a lot of sense.
The Steelers have long been defined by stability and success. But with Tomlin’s departure and Rodgers’ future up in the air, Pittsburgh may be entering a transitional phase. That doesn’t necessarily mean a full rebuild, but it does mean laying the groundwork for the next era.
If the Steelers do take a swing on a rookie like Simpson, pairing him with Flacco could be a savvy move. Flacco has seen it all-big games, big moments, and the grind of an NFL season. He’s the kind of veteran who can help a young quarterback grow without threatening his development.
And it’s not just Simpson who could benefit. Will Howard, who’s also in the mix for the 2026 starting job, would stand to gain from having Flacco in the room. Whether it’s film study, pre-snap reads, or just learning how to carry yourself in the locker room, Flacco brings a level of professionalism that can elevate the entire quarterback group.
The Steelers have decisions to make, and none bigger than who will lead their offense moving forward. But if they’re planning to blend youth with experience, Joe Flacco could be exactly the kind of veteran presence to help guide the next chapter.