Joe Flacco in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform would be a jarring image for some, including the quarterback himself. But years ago, the same could have been said for the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl MVP in a Cleveland Browns or Cincinnati Bengals jersey.
During 2025, Flacco played for both the Browns and Bengals.
So after completing that wacky season, Flacco isn’t ruling out a Steelers stint.
“I think it would be strange. 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,” Flacco said on the BMore Sports pod, via Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora. “But I think at this point, I’m pretty much open for most things. [That is] if I can see an opportunity in it.”
Flacco has played for every AFC North team except the Steelers. Of his 18 seasons in the league, Flacco has spent 13 of them with the Ravens, Browns and Bengals.
In 2025, the Browns traded Flacco to the Bengals after Week 5. Flacco knocked off the Steelers 33-31 in his second Cincinnati start.
Could Joe Flacco Give Steelers Bridge QB?
As crazy as it might sound, Flacco might fit what the Steelers need in 2026 — a true bridge quarterback.
Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers have been that of sorts for the Steelers. But those two veterans more came to Pittsburgh to try and help the organization snap its playoff losing streak.
Like Wilson and Rodgers, Flacco is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. But Rodgers is only going to return to Pittsburgh is he’s the starter. The Steelers might be able to sign Flacco to either start or serve as a backup.
The team could ink Flacco to a deal and then start him only if he’s significantly better than Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.
On a decent offense, Flacco is still more than serviceable. Although he posted a 1-5 record with the Bengals, he averaged 6.5 yards per attempt with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Why the Steelers Signing Joe Flacco Might Not be a Good Idea
Until the Steelers hire their next head coach and offensive coordinator, it’s too early to say if Flacco is a match or not for the team’s offense.
But on January 22, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox argued the Steelers are a bad fit for Flacco because of the team’s offensive personnel.
“The Steelers have struggled to put together a reliable offensive line, and their receiving corps lacks dependable options behind DK Metcalf,” Knox wrote. “Simply put, it could be a very bad situation for Flacco, who is at his best when he can attack deep down the field.”
Not everyone will agree with Knox’s comment on the Pittsburgh offensive line. Pro Football Focus ranked the Steelers offensive line eighth best in the league during 2025. Interestingly, the Bengals placed at No. 28 on the same list.
It’s likely Flacco could have plenty of success playing behind the Steelers pass protection.
However, the Steelers do lack reliable pass catchers. Only D.K. Metcalf had more than 486 receiving yards in Pittsburgh this past season.
Maybe that changes with a new offensive coordinator. Calvin Austin III is a fast, deep threat that had a better statistical season with Wilson than Rodgers. The one area where Wilson might have an edge over Rodgers, at this point, is the deep ball.
Flacco’s arm and gunslinger mentality could open up things for the Steelers offense. But that all depends on the roster and who’s calling plays next season.
For now, Knox considers the Steelers the worst landing spot in the league for Flacco.
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