On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers watched their AFC North rivals make headlines when the Cleveland Browns traded veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a fifth-round pick. On paper, it might look like a routine depth move, but for those who follow this division closely, it’s much more than that.
It’s a statement — and, in my opinion, a head-scratching one for both sides.
Let’s start with the Browns. Trading away Joe Flacco says a lot about where they believe their franchise is headed. Sure, Cleveland has had its fair share of quarterback drama over the years, but this one feels symbolic.
Flacco was not only their most seasoned quarterback, but also the only one on the roster with real playoff experience. That kind of leadership matters — especially for a team still trying to find its footing in a division as tough as the AFC North.
By shipping him off to a rival, Cleveland essentially handed the reins to rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Both have shown flashes of promise, and both have earned some respect in their first half-season of NFL football. Promoting them is a reward for their growth and resilience through the growing pains of being part of a rebuilding team.
But still, it’s risky business. The Browns are trusting youth over experience, and that could come back to haunt them.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must remain focused on conquering a watered-down AFC North
Then there’s Cincinnati. I get the logic behind the move — Joe Burrow is out with a turf toe injury, and the Bengals need someone who can steady the ship. But I still find myself questioning whether the price was worth it. Trading away a fifth-round pick for a 40-year-old quarterback feels like a desperate attempt to keep the season afloat.
Sure, Flacco’s résumé is impressive: Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, and more than a decade of starting experience. But the reality is that was a long time ago.
This season, he’s thrown for just 815 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions, with a 27.6 QBR that’s hard to look past. The Bengals aren’t asking him to lead them to a championship — they just need him to keep them competitive. It’s a noble gesture, but one that feels like more of a patch than a solution.
Meanwhile, the Steelers are in a position to capitalize.
Mike Tomlin’s team is in control of its destiny, sitting comfortably with an opportunity to tighten its grip on the AFC North. Their next two games could define the season. First, they’ll take on Dillon Gabriel and the Browns in Week 6 — a matchup that suddenly feels even more winnable. After that, they’ll face Joe Flacco in his new orange-and-black threads.
The message is clear: while the rest of the division scrambles for answers, the Steelers simply need to stay the course. If they play with discipline and physicality, their grip on the division could soon become a vice grip.