Analyst Sees Joe Flacco as Good Fit for Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ plan at quarterback seems to be, at least on option A, Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph in a competition.

It seems likely that Rudolph will wish to test the waters and see what his options are around the league when free agency opens. The Steelers likely will not want to wait for that process to play out to make their own decision at quarterback.

So who does that leave if not Rudolph? The likely name would be Ryan Tannehill. But CBS Sports radio host Zach Gelb has another name — former Browns and Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

“You know who is the name that could replace Mason Rudolph to compete with Kenny Pickett? And now watch, this guy is going to be floating around AFC North teams, it could actually be Joe Flacco. So for Joe Flacco, you probably won’t be guaranteed a starting spot anywhere in the league this year, so if you’re Joe, why not go to Pittsburgh? You’re probably right now a better quarterback than Kenny Pickett, even with age difference,” Gelb said.

Flacco led the Browns on a great run at the end of the season, powering them into the playoffs. Even in that loss, it is hard to not see what Flacco did as impressive. And the Steelers could want the veteran mentorship that Flacco brings to help either a draft pick or Pickett grow.

Flacco played with the Ravens, Broncos, and Eagles in addition to the Jets. But it is the Ravesn where he is known as someone revered in AFC North football lore. He led Baltimore to a Super Bowl XLVIII win, while earning Super Bowl MVP in that game. Over the years, his game has declined, but Flacco has remained in the NFL as a backup. He has racked up over 42,000 passing yards in his career while throwing for 232 touchdowns and 147 interceptions. Flacco, 38, started four games for the Jets in 2022, throwing five touchdowns and three interceptions. The Jets went 1-3 in those games.