Joe Flacco’s NFL career is hard to define. As a franchise quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, he led the team to a memorable Super Bowl victory, but injuries eventually slowed his career, paving the way for Lamar Jackson to take over.
Despite this, Flacco’s talent and leadership have allowed him to remain a steady presence in the league, playing for several teams as a veteran over the past few years. After a successful stint with the Indianapolis Colts, he made his return to the Cleveland Browns this summer.
But could his time with the Browns be brief?
Possible Trade Destinations for Flacco
Despite bringing in Flacco, the Browns haven’t hesitated to fill their quarterback room with younger, more promising options. The trade for Kenny Pickett and the drafting of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders have left Cleveland with five quarterbacks on the roster.
This crowded situation could pave the way for a potential trade, with the 40-year-old Flacco emerging as a prime candidate to be moved.
With several teams still in need of a quarterback or young teams seeking veteran leadership for their developing signal-callers, here are three destinations that could make sense for Flacco.
New Orleans Saints
An unexpected injury to Derek Carr has disrupted the New Orleans Saints’ plans for the 2025 season. With Carr potentially sidelined for the year, the team may be forced to reassess its quarterback situation—and could take the opportunity to address its long-term salary cap concerns.
Currently, rookie Tyler Shough is the only viable option at quarterback, leaving the Saints thin at the position. That’s where Joe Flacco could become a valuable addition. Over the past two seasons, Flacco has delivered strong performances for both the Browns and the Colts, nearly leading each team to the playoffs.
For an expensive New Orleans roster, he might be able to do the same. After all, like Kevin Durant said, “Put Flacco anywhere and he’s gonna hoop.”
Pittsburgh Steelers
This situation largely depends on whatever decision Aaron Rodgers ultimately makes. Following a season-ending five-game losing streak in the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to the four-time MVP.
However, with no decision yet from Rodgers, the team remains in limbo. Drafting Will Howard in the sixth round gives Pittsburgh a potential long-term option, but he’s unlikely to be ready to start immediately, regardless of his upside.
If head coach Mike Tomlin hopes to preserve his streak of never having a losing season, Joe Flacco could be a strong short-term solution. The 2023 Comeback Player of the Year has shown over the past two seasons that he can still deliver at a high level—and may be a more realistic and reliable option than waiting on Rodgers.
New England Patriots
After trading Joe Milton, the New England Patriots are in need of a backup quarterback behind rookie Drake Maye. While Joshua Dobbs offers a serviceable option, head coach Mike Vrabel may prefer a seasoned veteran to help mentor Maye as he develops into the team’s potential franchise centerpiece.
Flacco hasn’t fully embraced a mentor role in the past, often finding himself starting at some point during the season. However, at 40 years old, his approach may be shifting as he enters the next phase of his career.
Whether as a starter or mentor, Flacco’s experience and poise make him a valuable asset—one that several teams could turn to as the 2025 season approaches.