Steelers linked to former $120 million Super Bowl-winning quarterback amid Aaron Rodgers' speculation

The Pittsburgh Steelers will likely be back in the quarterback market in 2026.

Aaron Rodgers could call it a career after 21 seasons, but even if Rodgers decides to continue playing, it may not be in Pittsburgh.

With Rodgers' future with the Steelers in doubt, Bleacher Report's Alex Kay believes Pittsburgh could draft a rookie signal-caller, possibly Alabama's Ty Simpson, and bring in Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco.

Here's what Kay had to say about Flacco and his potential fit with the Steelers:

"If the Steelers do manage to land Simpson, they'll also want to bring on board a proven veteran who can both push the rookie and mentor him during those pivotal early years in the league. Someone like Joe Flacco makes perfect sense as a bridge between Rodgers and Simpson."

Flacco knows the AFC North very well. Obviously, he spent 11 years with the Baltimore Ravens as their franchise quarterback and won a Super Bowl, but he's also had stints with the Cleveland Browns and the Bengals.

In 10 starts this season, four with the Browns and six with the Bengals, Flacco completed 60.3% of his passes for 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a 2-8 record.

Though Flacco isn't capable of being even a viable starter for a long period of time anymore, he is still a solid backup who would be a nice mentor to a rookie quarterback.

Pittsburgh has a tradition of winning, but the franchise may need to go into rebuild mode for a few years with Mike Tomlin stepping down as head coach and leaving the organization.

If the Steelers decide to start fresh at quarterback and add a rookie, Flacco would be a terrific backup and mentor for the young quarterback.

There's also a possibility Will Howard gets an opportunity to be Pittsburgh's starter in 2026, and even in that case, Flacco would be a logical signing to help Howard and add experience to the quarterback room.