Joe Flacco Talks Possible NFL Retirement, Potentially Replacing Aaron Rodgers with Steelers

Joe Flacco may choose to retire following the 2025 season, but he hasn't reached that conclusion just yet.

"A lot of guys talk about falling out of love with the game or just kind of knowing," he said on the BMore Football Podcast (h/t Grant Gordon of NFL.com). "I don't think that's hit me yet."

One fascinating destination would be the Pittsburgh Steelers, who could be in the market for a veteran quarterback if Aaron Rodgers retires. Flacco has already played for the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals in his career, so the Steelers would cap off his AFC North tour.

"There's something about the Steelers that seems a little bit different because they were our rival for so many years," he said Monday. "But at the end of the day, I play football because I love it. It is a job of mine. If somebody is hiring me, that is a pretty big deal."

The 41-year-old had a very interesting 2025 season. He started the year with the Browns, making four starts, but was traded to the Bengals in early October. The Browns were ready to hand the reins over to Dillon Gabriel (and eventually Shedeur Sanders), while the Bengals needed an upgrade at the position after Jake Browning struggled mightily in relief of the injured Joe Burrow.

In total, Flacco threw for 2,479 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 60.3 percent of his passes. He was 1-4 as the starter in Cleveland and 1-4 as the starter in Cincy.

The Steelers will have some interesting decisions to make if Rodgers retires. Flacco completing his AFC North tour may be among their options.