Joe Flacco seems to be drawing inspiration from Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers, who are redefining norms of the gridiron in their 40s. As one of the oldest active players in the league, turning 41 later this month, Flacco made it clear that retirement isn’t on his mind.

“Joe Flacco isn’t considering retirement but does hope to be “selective” in what comes next,” Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic revealed on X, in context to the Bengals locker room cleanout session. “He wants to play, that’s clear.

“Open to coming back to Cincinnati even if that would mean serving as a backup to Burrow. Would also be open to fielding calls from a team that needed a QB next year. Family is a consideration, though, he joked his kids want him to play until he’s 50.”

The Bengals acquired Flacco from the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round pick in October. The veteran filled in well for Joe Burrow, recording 61.7% completion for 1,664 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions.

However, he went 1-5 as a starter for Cincinnati.

“I love being in the locker room, love being part of a group of guys like this in general,” Joe Flacco said, showing his appreciation for the Bengals. “I’ve had a lot of fun here the last couple of months, but I’m just trying to be myself. I’m trying to be a good teammate, trying to be the best I can at what I do. However, things shake out from there; they do, but I had a lot of fun.”

While the Bengals remain his beloved, he is also open to fielding calls from quarterback-needy teams. So, the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings might show interest in him.

Joe Flacco’s gesture for Ja’Marr Chase

As of now, the veteran quarterback is simply relishing his time with the Bengals; so much so that one of his gestures has quickly become the talk of the Queen City. While clearing out his locker following the disappointing 6-11 season, Flacco left a signed jersey for teammate Ja’Marr Chase.

“I gave one to Tee [Higgins] and Ja’Marr because they expressed interest in having one,” Flacco told reporters. “And I meant everything I wrote on those jerseys, and they were special to play with, and I don’t throw around words lightly.”

That mutual respect is admirable.

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In the previous 17 seasons, Flacco played with five wide receivers who had at least 73 catches. Coincidentally, in season 18, Flacco joined Chase and Higgins with their combined seven seasons of at least 73 catches. And both the wide receivers welcomed him to the Bengals with open arms.

“I knew him [Flacco] because he was on the team that had Ray Lewis and Ed Reed,” Higgins joked back in October. “I was messing with some of the guys. I was like, ‘Oh, he was in the league when we were getting in trouble for being outside with the streetlights on.'”

On the other hand, Chase admired how Flacco could throw, despite his age. In fact, back in October, they addressed Flacco as the all-time great. No wonder it barely took Flacco time to form a bond with them. However, it is not just the players with whom Flacco formed a tight bond.

Joe Flacco’s admiration for Zac Taylor

The front office hasn’t made any moves to suggest that they are bringing a veteran quarterback back. However, if it’s in head coach Zac Taylor’s control, he would love to have Flacco back as the quarterback. The former Comeback Player of the Year is most grateful to Taylor for bringing him on board, labeling his experience under him as “unbelievable.”

“I think my experience with [Zac Taylor] has been unbelievable,” said Flacco. “I think he’s awesome at what he does. This is a hard business, and there are a lot of times when it doesn’t go the way you want it to.  For 31 teams, it goes the way you don’t want it to every single year.

“I know this is more disappointing than that. But he’s really good at what he does, and guys have a lot of respect for him, no doubt about that.”

Flacco is particularly grateful to Taylor for bringing him to Cincinnati. It remains to be seen what the front office decides, but for now, owner Mike Brown has retained head coach Taylor and player personnel chief Duke Tobin for another ride with the Bengals.