Steelers Offseason Buzz: Flacco on the Radar, Ramsey’s Future in Question, and Rodgers Rumors Swirl
As the Super Bowl confetti settles and the NFL calendar flips toward free agency and roster reshuffling, the Pittsburgh Steelers are already deep in the thick of offseason intrigue. From quarterback questions to wide receiver uncertainty and a looming decision on a former All-Pro cornerback, there’s no shortage of storylines to track in the Steel City.
Let’s break down the latest developments around the Steelers - and what they could mean heading into a pivotal 2026 season.
Joe Flacco to Pittsburgh? A Familiar Face Could Fill a Familiar Need
Yes, you read that right. Joe Flacco - the longtime Ravens signal-caller, AFC North veteran, and reigning Comeback Player of the Year finalist - could be making a return to the division, this time in black and gold.
The Bengals are reportedly interested in bringing Flacco back as a high-end insurance policy behind Joe Burrow. But they’re not alone. The Steelers have shown interest before, and with uncertainty under center heading into the offseason, Flacco fits the mold of what Pittsburgh might be looking for: a savvy, experienced backup who can keep the offense afloat in a pinch, or even bridge the gap if needed.
At this point in his career, Flacco has become something of a quarterback-for-hire - a veteran presence teams can rely on in a pinch. He’s played for three AFC North teams already. The Steelers are the only one left, and if they’re not ready to hand the reins to a young quarterback just yet, Flacco could be a logical, low-risk option.
Cody White Gets a Ring - Even If It’s from Afar
Former Steelers wideout Cody White might not have suited up in the Super Bowl, but he’ll still be getting a ring after the Seahawks’ championship run. White, who spent parts of the 2020 through 2022 seasons in Pittsburgh, was on injured reserve with a groin injury during Seattle’s title-clinching win.
Still, his contributions during the 2025 season - 10 games played, 90 receiving yards, four kick returns, and nearly 300 total snaps on offense and special teams - were meaningful. He was part of the journey, and in the NFL, that counts. It’s a feel-good moment for a player who carved out a role in the league the hard way.
Calvin Austin III Opens Up About Uncertain Future in Pittsburgh
Calvin Austin III isn’t sugarcoating things. The speedy wide receiver, who flashed promise in 2024 but saw his role diminish in 2025, is staring down free agency with eyes wide open.
“Pittsburgh, just being real, they may not want me, or they may have a different vision,” Austin said. “And that’s why I say at the end of the day, it’s just a straight business decision.”
Austin’s comments reflect the reality of a team in transition. With Mike Tomlin stepping down and a new coaching staff on the way, even returning players are entering a new situation. For Austin, that could mean a fresh start elsewhere - or a chance to reestablish himself under new leadership if the Steelers bring him back.
He’s made it clear he still loves the city and would like to stay. But after being underused in 2025 despite a thin wide receiver room, Austin doesn’t sound confident he’s part of the new regime’s plans. His free agency will be one to watch come March.
Terry Bradshaw Thinks He Knows Rodgers’ Plans - But Does Pittsburgh?
Terry Bradshaw stirred the pot this week with a bold claim: Aaron Rodgers is planning to return to the Steelers for one more season.
Appearing on 103.7 The Buzz, Bradshaw said he heard Rodgers had already told new head coach Mike McCarthy he’s in for 2026, if the team wants him.
“I had heard, right before the McCarthy thing was announced,” Bradshaw said, “that Aaron Rodgers had told Mike, ‘If you want me to come back for a year, I’ll come back and join you.’”
Of course, Rodgers saying he’s willing to return doesn’t guarantee the Steelers are on board. At 42, Rodgers is nearing the end of the road, and Pittsburgh will have to weigh whether another year of the future Hall of Famer is worth postponing a longer-term quarterback plan.
Still, where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire - and there’s been a lot of smoke around Rodgers sticking around for another run in the Steel City.
Jalen Ramsey’s Role in 2026: Complicated, Costly, and Crucial
Jalen Ramsey’s first season in Pittsburgh was a mixed bag. At times, he looked like the elite playmaker who’s earned multiple All-Pro nods. At others, especially when asked to play safety, his production dipped.
That versatility - being able to line up at corner, in the slot, or at safety - was both a blessing and a curse. It helped the Steelers patch holes in a banged-up secondary, but it also made it harder for Ramsey to settle into a groove. Now, heading into year two of a four-year, $84.7 million deal, the Steelers have to decide how - or if - he fits into their plans.
There’s talk about moving him back to the slot, where he can mentor rising star Joey Porter Jr. and play closer to the line of scrimmage. That’s where he’s done some of his best work. But at 31, and with a hefty cap hit on the books, the Steelers have to weigh whether that’s a luxury they can afford.
Here’s what the numbers say: Ramsey’s cap hit in 2026 sits at $17.2 million, with a $14.6 million dead cap if released. That number climbs to $19.1 million in 2027 and a whopping $31 million in 2028 - though the dead cap in that final year drops to $7.3 million, making him a more likely cut candidate then.
For now, though, the contract is manageable - especially for a defense that isn’t exactly overflowing with proven secondary talent. Ramsey still brings value, even if he’s no longer the lockdown corner he once was. He’s smart, physical, and can still make plays when used correctly.
If the Steelers want to get younger and cheaper in the secondary, moving on from Ramsey makes some sense. But unless they get a trade offer that knocks their socks off, it’s hard to justify shipping out one of the few versatile veterans they have on defense.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers are entering one of their most fascinating offseasons in recent memory. A new coaching staff, a quarterback question mark, and several key veterans with uncertain futures - this is a franchise at a crossroads.
Whether it’s bringing in a seasoned arm like Flacco, deciding how to deploy (or move on from) Ramsey, or figuring out what the next chapter looks like for players like Calvin Austin, Pittsburgh has no shortage of decisions to make.
And with Rodgers’ potential return still hanging in the air, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
One thing’s for sure: the next few months are going to shape the future of the franchise in a big way. Stay tuned.