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.

The Athletic's Michael Silver, Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis reported on March 15 it was "possible" that Rodgers could opt to retire rather than join the Steelers or New York Giants. That was at a point when the Giants were still in on Rodgers, but they pivoted by bringing in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston a short time later.