As a backup QB option, the Pittsburgh Steelers may consider targeting Joe Flacco.
It was suggested that Joe Flacco could take over as quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, potentially replacing Mason Rudolph.
Joe Flacco, a well-known figure, has been considered as an alternative choice for Mason Rudolph’s backup quarterback position in the 2024 season by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On the February 19th episode of “The Zach Gelb Show,” CBS Sports’ Zach Gelb suggested that Joe Flacco could potentially replace Mason Rudolph and compete with Kenny Pickett, stating that he may be on the radar for multiple AFC North teams.
Having been drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2008, Flacco has played for them during 12 of his 16 seasons in the NFL. He also served as a starter for five regular-season games and their wild-card defeat when playing with Cleveland Browns.
How the Steelers Could Benefit from Having Joe Flacco on Their Team
Seeing Flacco behind Pickett on the depth chart is likely not what Steelers fans are hoping for.
Gelb suggested that Flacco should find the idea logical considering Pickett’s unreliability and imperfections.
Gelb suggested that Joe should consider going to Pittsburgh, stating that he is likely a superior quarterback compared to Kenny Pickett despite the age gap. Gelb advised him to anticipate being initially benched in favor of Pickett but ultimately taking over due to his inevitable failure and struggles as starting QB.
Flacco’s interception problems may not align with the offensive style of new coordinator Arthur Smith. During his short stint playing for the Browns, Flacco threw a total of 8 interceptions in just five games – marking an all-time low career percentage rate at 3.9%.
It is challenging to determine Flacco’s remaining potential in football, considering his age and the limited six-game assessment. Nevertheless, he expressed that he still intends to continue playing.
According to a February 13 report by Cleveland.com’s Mary Kat Cabot, he declared that he wouldn’t be riding off into the sunset. He stated that it wasn’t his style and no matter how unpleasant things got, he wanted to continue playing until they did get uncomfortable. Additionally, he expressed his desire to stay on the field for as long as possible before being forced away from it.
If needed as the starter, Flacco’s expertise within the AFC North could serve him well and his experience would enable him to guide Pickett.
While he made $2.5 million last season, choosing him as a backup would be cost-effective; nonetheless, there are other free agent choices who are younger such as Ryan Tannehill and Gardner Minshew.
The Player who Made a Comeback of the Year
In 2023, Flacco emerged as an exceptional NFL tale. He signed up as a free agent at the beginning of the season after spending two years with New York Jets and struggling to win just one game out of five in 2022 while maintaining a pass completion rate of only 57.6%.
Despite Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury, the Browns still decided to bring him in.
What came next was unexpected by almost everyone.
Flacco and the Browns had an unexpectedly successful partnership, as evidenced by their 4-1 record with Flacco at quarterback. During these five starts, he threw for a total of 1,616 yards and scored an impressive 13 touchdowns. Thanks in part to his contributions on the field, Cleveland secured a playoff berth prior to Week 18.
Their playoff run was cut short when they were soundly beaten by the Houston Texans in the AFC wild-card round, with Flacco throwing multiple interceptions.
Despite doubts that he was past his prime at 38 years old, Flacco displayed surprisingly reliable performance. As a result of his impressive comeback on the field, he was awarded the Comeback Player of the Year in 2023 and may have successfully revived his career.
