Could Joe Flacco Be a Fit in Pittsburgh? Steelers Eye Veteran QB Options Amid Rodgers Decision
The Pittsburgh Steelers are staring down a familiar offseason question: Who’s under center in 2026?
If Aaron Rodgers returns, the answer’s easy. But if he doesn’t, the Steelers may once again be in the market for a veteran bridge quarterback. And according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there’s a name to keep an eye on-one that Steelers fans know all too well: Joe Flacco.
Yes, that Joe Flacco.
The longtime Ravens quarterback-and more recently, a well-traveled veteran who’s played for four different teams in the last four seasons-is reportedly on Pittsburgh’s radar. Fowler notes that the Steelers were interested in Flacco’s free agency profile last offseason. And with Rodgers' future still undecided, the 41-year-old could be a viable fallback option.
Flacco’s AFC North Tour
Flacco is no stranger to the AFC North. In fact, if he were to sign with Pittsburgh, he’d complete the rare feat of playing for every team in the division.
He spent 11 seasons as the Ravens’ starter from 2008 to 2018, racking up a 12-12 career record against the Steelers in that time. Since then, he’s bounced from Denver to the Jets, then to Cleveland, Indianapolis, back to Cleveland, and finally to Cincinnati.
That’s right-last season, Flacco suited up for both the Browns and Bengals. He even started twice against Pittsburgh while with Cincinnati, splitting the matchups with a win in Week 7 and a loss in Week 11.
Despite the nomadic nature of his recent years, Flacco showed in 2023 that he still had something left in the tank. That season, he earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors after stepping in for an injured Deshaun Watson and leading the Browns to the playoffs. That run reminded teams-and fans-why Flacco was once one of the most respected postseason quarterbacks in the league.
Rodgers Still a Possibility
Of course, all of this hinges on whether Rodgers decides to return to Pittsburgh for another season. According to Fowler, the signs are pointing in a positive direction. Rodgers, who joined the Steelers for the 2025 campaign, reportedly came out of the season “refreshed” and in a better place than he was during his final years with the Jets.
Teammates spoke highly of Rodgers during exit interviews, and the organization has been open to a reunion since early in the season. With Mike McCarthy now in place as head coach-and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio, another former Packers assistant, joining him-the infrastructure is there for Rodgers to feel right at home. The system, the staff, and the locker room all seem aligned for a potential encore.
Still, Rodgers is Rodgers. Predicting his next move has never been easy. And that’s where a veteran like Flacco becomes a valuable insurance policy.
Why Flacco Makes Sense
At this stage in his career, Flacco isn’t coming in to be a long-term answer. But that’s not what the Steelers need-at least not right now. What they need is a steady hand, someone who can run the offense, mentor a young quarterback if one is drafted, and keep the team competitive in a brutal AFC North.
Flacco’s seen it all. He knows the division.
He’s played in big games. And while his best days are behind him, he’s proven he can still win games when the moment calls for it.
If Rodgers returns, Pittsburgh likely rolls into 2026 with the same setup and some real optimism. But if he doesn’t? Don’t be surprised if the Steelers turn to a familiar face from across the division.
Joe Flacco in black and gold? It would’ve sounded unthinkable a decade ago. But in today’s NFL, where veteran QBs are constantly reshuffling, it just might make perfect sense.