Joe Flacco Aaron Rodgers Cincinnati Bengals Pittsburgh Steelers
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Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers congratulates Joe Flacco #16 of the Cincinnati Bengals
Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is fresh off his first Pro Bowl appearance in his entire 18-year career. Now a free agent once again, the former Super Bowl champion is looking to continue his lengthy career. But which team could have an interest in bringing in a 41-year-old quarterback to compete for a starting job?
As luck would have it, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the only AFC North team that Flacco has not suited up for. Furthermore, they are currently without a starting quarterback, seeing as 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains uncertain about a potential return to Pittsburgh. This is why NFL Network insider Steve Wyche believes that Flacco could be a good fit in the Steel City.
Joe Flacco Makes Sense for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Joe Flacco Cincinnati Bengals Pittsburgh Steelers
GettyJoe Flacco played for both the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals in 2025.
After playing for the Bengals in the second half of 2025, Flacco has now played for seven different NFL teams. Once a cornerstone piece of the Baltimore Ravens for over a decade (2008-2018), he has now turned into a steady backup that can still play at a high level as a starter. Remember, he helped guide the Browns to the playoffs in 2023 after going 4-1 as the team’s starter.
Here is what Wyche had to say on NFL Network this week about Flacco being a good fit for the Steelers:
“If one old guy decides not to play, they could go with another old guy to hold it down for at least a season.”
Of course, the x-factor in this scenario could be backup quarterback Will Howard, who was drafted by the team before last season. The former national champion at Ohio State has some potential to be great in the NFL. But after an injury-polagued rookie year sitting behind Rodgers, he didn’t receive much playing time. Could the addition of Flacco possibly give Pittsburgh a steady quarterback while also providing a chance for Howard to play later on in the year?
Aaron Rodgers is Still the Top Option for the Steelers
Aaron Rodgers Omar Khan
GettyAaron Rodgers will turn 43 years of age this December.
As impressive as Flacco has been in the later stages of what appeared to be a dying career, Rodgers is still the top free-agent option for the Steelers. Not only did he guide the Steelers to their first AFC North title in five years this past season at 42 years of age, but he and new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy go all the way back to 2006 when McCarthy was hired as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
Between the time Rodgers was named the starter in Green Bay and when McCarthy was let go (2008-2018), the Packers won the NFC North five times and made eight playoff appearances. Of course, the Packers ended up defeating the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Rodgers also ended up winning two MVPs under McCarthy’s leadership (2011, 2014).
After seeing the free-agent moves that the Steelers have made in recent days, especially on offense, with the trade for two-time 1,000-yard receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and the signing of back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle, a Rodgers return for his 22nd NFL season feels increasingly more likely.