Flacco began the 2025 season as the starter for the Cleveland Browns in his second season with the club. He was later traded to the Bengals. All told, he completed 60.3% of his passes for 2,479 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
He was a serviceable starter. At his best, the 41-year-old could still hit it big. That was evident in the aforementioned win over the Steelers, where he went head-to-head with Rodgers, throwing for 342 yards, three touchdowns and the leading scorer.
“We talk about 40 being old, but by and large, I don’t think you’re that old,” Flacco said. “I think we’ve had some guys in front of me who are the best to ever do it, who have shown that if you want to do it, you can still play at a high level.”
Flacco is heading into another offseason and could potentially be on his way to signing with his eighth NFL team. He has spent multiple seasons with the New York Jets and Browns, spent single seasons or less with the Denver Broncos, Bengals and Indianapolis Colts, was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, but never played with them, and was the starting quarterback for the Ravens for 11 seasons, which included a Super Bowl win.
After playing against the Steelers last season and playing for every other AFC North team, adding Pittsburgh to his resume would be quite the feat. Rodgers is also mulling free agency and/or retirement, so there could be an opening in the Steel City.
It would be an odd scenario, but Flacco wouldn’t close the door on the opportunity.
“There’s something about the Steelers that seems a little different because they were our rival for so many years,” Flacco said. “But at the end of the day, I play football because I love it. It’s my job. If somebody’s hiring me, that’s a pretty big deal.”
It appears that just about anything is on the table for Flacco and his football journey.
All signs point to Flacco returning to the NFL ranks in 2026.
“I’ve tried to come up with a good answer for everybody, but it’s hard to answer,” Flacco said. “I’ve played football most of my life. I think you think about endings. You think about one day being over, but at the same time, year after year, you don’t really think about it. You’re just like, ‘Oh, the offseason.’ Time to train and get ready for next season.” And I think for the most part my head is still in that space.”