When the Pittsburgh Steelers brought in Aaron Rodgers, everyone knew it was a short-term fix. Ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired four years ago, the team hasn’t found a lasting answer at quarterback. Now, as they look ahead, the team could turn its attention to the 2026 draft class or explore trade options. But NFL analyst Bill Cowher already has a name in his mind.

“The only quarterbacks who have played Mike Tomlin 10 times or more who have winning records are Tom Brady and Joe Flacco,” Cowher said on October 19 during ‘The NFL Today,’ CBS’ pre-game show. “So, my advice to Mike… just sign him [Flacco] in the offseason.”

That suggestion might sound wild on paper, but it’s not without logic. HC Mike Tomlin has spent time trying to avoid Joe Flacco. And for good reason. The quarterback has tormented Pittsburgh.

For instance, last season, the coach had told his defense to keep the Indianapolis Colts‘ Anthony Richardson upright. That was because if Flacco came in, they were in trouble. Sure enough, Richardson went down, Flacco stepped in, and the Colts beat Pittsburgh.

Flacco, who was replaced by Lamar Jackson in 2019 in Baltimore, has built a telling resume against Tomlin: 12-11. The most recent of those victories arrived in the Bengals vs Steelers clash of Week 7. After a rather poor showing to start the season, Flacco came alive against Tomlin, throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns for a 33-31 win. He was fearless, composed, and able to recognize coverages.

No wonder Cowher believes that the advantage lies in the 40-year-old QB being more than familiar with the coach’s formula: Quick throws. Run attempts.

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Now, the QB may be a little rough around the edges, heading into season 19 in 2026, but that’s the experience they can bank on, especially when they are on the lookout for a franchise QB in the upcoming draft. Flacco could guide their rookie and help in their development. ESPN’s mock draft says it could be Alabama’s Ty Simpson.

Flacco knows how to lead a locker room, something the Browns attest to. He can make quick reads, and with Rodgers’ exit, the Steelers could use that steadiness.

So, if Cowher, who was the HC for the Steelers from 1992 to 2006, believes Flacco could help the team, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched.The QB enters free agency after the 2025 season and has no plans of retirement yet. Just earlier this month, Flacco admitted that he believed he still had a lot to offer to the league. Rodgers, on the other hand, is planning to “disappear from public life” once he hangs it up.

When Aaron Rodgers opened up about his retirement plans

After being released by the New York Jets in March, Aaron Rodgers hit free agency for the first time in his two-decade-long career. It took a while for things to settle, but eventually, the 41-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers—a move that instantly grabbed headlines.

Rodgers’ reasons go deeper than football. Age is one of those reasons. But he also told Pat McAfee that he was ready to leave the spotlight entirely once he retires. No cameras, no analyst gigs, no endorsements. “I don’t want the attention — I know that’s a narrative out there,” Rodgers said in June. “When this is all done, it’s Keyser Söze. You won’t see me. I don’t want to live a public life.

“I’m not gonna be in the public eye. When this is done, I’m done. You won’t see me, and I’m looking forward to that.”

It’s a rare stance in an era where most retired stars chase TV contracts, brand deals, or podcast fame. But for Rodgers, the desire for solitude isn’t new.

In 2023, Rodgers famously took a four-night “darkness retreat” in Oregon to reflect on his NFL future. According to Sky Cave Retreats owner Scott Berman, Rodgers spent those days in a 300-square-foot, pitch-black room equipped only with a queen bed, bathroom, and meditation mat. The experience, meant to force deep introspection, has become part of Rodgers’ legend. Proof that when he says he can disappear, he means it.