Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers won the AFC North in his first season with the franchise. The Steelers will have a new coach in Mike McCarthy next season, but it’s uncertain whether Rodgers will return or opt to retire.
However, Rodgers wasn’t the only former Super Bowl-winning quarterback in the division last season. Joe Flacco started the year with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Now, one of the two veterans has officially made his decision on whether to retire or return next season, according to one prominent NFL insider.
“Joe Flacco has reached agreement with the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year deal,” reported ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Joe Flacco has reached agreement with the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year deal, his agents at @JLSports3 tell ESPN pic.twitter.com/YymCQdfrcu
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 24, 2026
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“Classic veteran insurance move Joe Flacco brings experience and calm if things go sideways for the Cincinnati Bengals,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Good move by the Bengals, considering that Burrow will probably get killed by the third game playing behind that very offensive line, and the stellar pass rushes of the other three teams in that division,” another fan added.
“If Burrow goes down again and Flacco actually starts meaningful games in 2026, are we calling this smart veteran insurance or admitting Cincinnati is quietly gambling their entire window,” one fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see what Rodgers decides to do.