The Pittsburgh Steelers may consider bolstering their quarterback depth by acquiring veteran Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns, despite recently signing Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal. While Rodgers is the presumed starter, Pittsburgh’s current backups – Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard – leave room for improvement behind the 41-year-old starter.
A potential trade scenario would send Flacco to Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. The 40-year-old quarterback, who led Cleveland to the playoffs in 2023 before struggling with Indianapolis last season, currently competes with Kenny Pickett and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders for the Browns’ starting job.
For Cleveland, trading Flacco would make sense if they opt for a youth movement at quarterback. The Browns signed Flacco to a modest one-year, $4.25 million contract this offseason, making him expendable if they prefer developing younger options. A late-round pick would provide some return for a short-term veteran acquisition.
Pittsburgh’s extended courtship of Rodgers suggests they want reliable quarterback play, and Flacco could provide experienced insurance. His familiarity with AFC North defenses and playoff experience might appeal to a Steelers team with postseason aspirations, especially given Rodgers’ age and recent injury history.
The trade’s viability depends on training camp performances and potential injuries. If Pittsburgh’s backups struggle in preseason or Rodgers shows signs of decline, acquiring Flacco for minimal draft capital could become an attractive option for the Steelers’ front office.
