The Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan have a huge decision to make ahead of the 2026 season, and that is regarding who is going to play quarterback. The Steelers just came off a 10-7 campaign with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, but the aging signal-caller still has a decision to make on his career. With Rodgers' potential retirement looming, the Steelers need to keep their options open to who could be under center come the season's start. An option that has been linked to the Steelers is an old rival, with whom Steelers fans are very familiar.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Bengals' QB Joe Flacco celebrates with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase after a big-time score against the Steelers on Thursday Night Football in the 2025 NFL season.
Quarterback Joe Flacco seems to still has a lot left in the tank, and the Steelers may look to add a veteran presence around Will Howard or another young quarterback if the Steelers draft one. If Rodgers decides to retire or not come back to the Steelers, Flacco seems like he may be the next best veteran option.
The vet notched 2,479 passing yards and 15 passing touchdowns in 2025, starting 10 games. Flacco played for both the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns after the two teams made a rare in-division trade.
The Super Bowl champion has still shown signs of being a valuable veteran quarterback, and the Steelers are said to like the idea of adding him to the team. According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, this could be a possibility.
"Flacco will have options, possibly as a bridge quarterback. The Steelers will have an opening if Aaron Rodgers doesn't re-sign there. Pittsburgh liked his free agency profile last offseason," Fowler wrote.
The Steelers may use Flacco's services as a bridge quarterback option. The Steelers sit at the 21st overall pick, and would be too far away from getting a quality quarterback. The quarterback class in this draft isn't widely regarded for its first-round talent outside of the consensus number one overall pick, Fernando Mendoza.
If Rodgers decides to step away from the game, Flacco's services would help Howard develop, and he would be a veteran presence in a room that is surrounded by some inexperience.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers stands with QB Will Howard.
Can The Steelers Remain Competitive With Flacco?
If Rodgers decides to take the retirement route, can the Steelers maintain their winning culture with Flacco? Flacco has proven that he can win games and be a serviceable option. Flacco was a franchise quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens and even won a Super Bowl with them. Over the past few years, Flacco has become a high-end backup quarterback who is more than capable of starting games. In 2025, Flacco started a game with the Bengals, where he was pitted against the Steelers in a primetime matchup.
Flacco torched the Steelers' defense while going on to win, 33-31. The 18-year veteran quarterback finished the game with 342 passing yards and three touchdowns, without throwing an interception. Flacco has shown flashes of his former self often, and the Steelers felt the blunt end of it. Flacco would bridge the gap between Rodgers and the next young Steelers quarterback; however, under the newly hired Head Coach Mike McCarthy, Flacco could keep the Steelers in it.
Ryan Meyer / Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Flacco looks to throw.
Maintaining the winning culture makes sense with the roster the Steelers currently have. Flacco has proven he can win, and the Steelers may look to take a chance on the veteran. Flacco will look to complete the "all AFC North" challenge as he would play for all four teams in the division. The Steelers will have a big choice to make at quarterback the season and Flacco just adds another layer to that decision.
The Steelers will wait on Rodgers' decision before choosing what to do going forward. They could bring in another veteran guy like Flacco, hand the keys over to the young Howard, or even draft a quarterback. The choice will carry a lot of implications regarding the Steelers' future plans at the position and will be very interesting to watch.
Should the Steelers give Flacco a shot? Who should play quarterback for the Steelers? Let us know below.
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