Joe Flacco’s AFC North tour might not be over just yet.
The veteran quarterback, who’s already suited up for the Ravens, Browns, and Bengals, says he’s open to adding one more rival to the résumé - the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, that Pittsburgh. And while even Flacco admits it would feel a little strange to wear black and gold, he’s not ruling anything out.
“I think it would be strange,” Flacco said on the BMore Sports Podcast. “I do think having a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey on would be a little more strange than even a Browns or Bengals jersey, for whatever reason. But I think at this point, I’m pretty much open for most things if I can see an opportunity in it.”
That “opportunity” mindset tracks with how Flacco’s approached the back half of his career. After being traded from the Browns to the Bengals this season to fill in while Joe Burrow was sidelined, Flacco showed he still has something left in the tank. He threw for 2,479 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions - not eye-popping, but more than serviceable for a midseason plug-in.
Still, Cleveland didn’t hesitate to turn the page. After a handful of starts, Flacco was benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel, and shortly after, he was on the move to Cincinnati.
But retirement? That’s not on Flacco’s radar - not yet.
The 39-year-old may not be the long-term answer for anyone, but he’s proving to be a reliable short-term fix. And with the Steelers entering a transitional phase, that could matter.
Pittsburgh’s quarterback room is in flux. With Mike Tomlin stepping away and Aaron Rodgers unlikely to make a move there, the Steelers are looking for stability under center.
Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are currently on the roster, but the team is expected to bring four quarterbacks into camp. That leaves the door open for a veteran like Flacco - someone who’s been there, done that, and can provide a steady hand if needed.
He’d be the oldest in the room (Rodgers excluded), but experience counts - especially in a division as tough and unpredictable as the AFC North. Whether it’s as a bridge starter, a mentor, or just a reliable insurance policy, Flacco could be a name to watch as the Steelers reshape their future.
And if he does land in Pittsburgh? That would complete one of the rarest quarterback journeys in NFL history - playing for all four teams in the same division.
Strange? Sure.
But in Flacco’s words, if there’s an opportunity, he’s listening.