Joe Flacco is headed back to free agency, and yes - even at 41, he’s still drawing interest. After splitting time between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals in 2025, the former Super Bowl MVP is once again on the radar for quarterback-needy teams looking for stability, leadership, and someone who’s been through just about every NFL situation you can imagine.
One team to keep an eye on? The Minnesota Vikings.
With uncertainty under center and a young quarterback in J.J. McCarthy still developing, Minnesota is exploring veteran options - and Flacco is firmly on their radar.
According to reporting from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Vikings considered bringing in Flacco last offseason and could circle back now that he’s available again.
The idea makes sense. Minnesota doesn’t just need a warm body to fill a depth chart; they need someone who can compete for the starting job from Day 1, or at the very least push McCarthy during training camp.
Flacco fits that bill. He’s not just a placeholder - he’s a seasoned pro who showed last year that he can still sling it when called upon.
The Bengals haven’t closed the door on bringing him back either. With Joe Burrow’s injury history, Cincinnati reportedly values Flacco as a high-end backup who could step in and keep the offense afloat if needed.
And let’s not forget - Flacco’s 2025 campaign was more than just serviceable. He earned his first career Pro Bowl nod, completing 60.3% of his passes for 2,479 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Not bad for a guy who was unsigned to start the year.
Beyond Minnesota and Cincinnati, there are other teams that could come calling. The Pittsburgh Steelers, for example, are another potential landing spot if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return. They reportedly liked Flacco’s profile last offseason, and with their quarterback situation still in flux, he could be a logical short-term answer.
What makes Flacco intriguing at this stage of his career isn’t just the numbers - though 48,176 career passing yards, 272 touchdowns, and a Super Bowl ring certainly speak for themselves. It’s the poise, the experience, and the ability to step into a chaotic situation and bring a sense of calm. He’s not your franchise quarterback of the future, but for a team like the Vikings that’s trying to bridge the gap between eras, he might be exactly what they need in the short term.
Minnesota’s quarterback room is far from settled, and while McCarthy may eventually take the reins, there’s no harm in having a steady veteran presence to guide the way - or even hold the job if the rookie isn’t ready. Flacco’s been in that role before, and he’s proven he can still deliver when his number is called.
So yes, Joe Flacco is 41. But in a league where quarterback play is everything - and where injuries and inconsistency can derail a season in a heartbeat - a player like Flacco still holds real value. Whether it’s Minnesota, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, or another team with playoff aspirations and questions at QB, don’t be surprised if Flacco is once again in the mix come Week 1.