According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Flacco, a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Baltimore Ravens, talked with the Pittsburgh Steelers before signing the deal with the Browns. The Minnesota Vikings were also involved after they lost their pursuit of Daniel Jones, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

While the Steelers remain hopeful for a blockbuster move with Aaron Rodgers, behind the scenes Mike Tomlin and the front office explored other veteran options, including a surprising Super Bowl champion.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ hottest debate is their next franchise quarterback. Their options are pretty thin: acquiring Aaron Rodgers through free agency, or handing the starting reins to a freshly drafted rookie quarterback — most likely Shedeur Sanders.