Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers could dominate headlines again in the coming months, with multiple teams likely to inquire about his services for the 2026 season. Rodgers led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs with a 10-6 record as a starter last season and appears more likely than not to suit up again in September.
What colors he’ll be wearing remains to be seen, but it will likely be those of one of the teams listed below.
Where Will Aaron Rodgers End Up in 2026?
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh is an obvious starting point. The perennial AFC North contender is entering a new era after longtime head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down in January. While Tomlin was undoubtedly a key factor in Rodgers joining Pittsburgh, his replacement, Mike McCarthy, has strong ties to the quarterback.
Rodgers and McCarthy spent 13 successful seasons together with the Green Bay Packers, winning a Super Bowl following the 2010 season. Although their relationship reportedly grew strained toward the end of McCarthy’s tenure in Green Bay, few coaches know Rodgers better.
Former Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is also no longer in Pittsburgh after taking a job at Ohio State. The tight end-heavy scheme he employed is likely gone, and the promise of a more receiver-friendly offense could be pivotal in convincing Rodgers to stay.
Minnesota Vikings
The Steelers’ pursuit of Rodgers stretched for months last offseason, with many speculating that he was waiting for an offer from the Minnesota Vikings. While the Vikings may not match the Steelers’ historical pedigree, they were arguably the more attractive on-field option.
Kevin O’Connell is widely viewed as one of the NFL’s top offensive minds and among its most respected coaches. The supporting cast is also elite, with Justin Jefferson taking center stage, while Rodgers’ former Packers teammate, Aaron Jones Sr., roams the backfield.
Factor in Brian Flores’ defense, and it’s understandable why Rodgers might have been intrigued by Minnesota last season. However, the Vikings ultimately committed to J.J. McCarthy, and talks never progressed beyond speculation.
This time, after McCarthy struggled in 2025, Minnesota could present a more legitimate challenge to Pittsburgh for Rodgers. Improved quarterback play would make the Vikings an immediate contender in the NFC, and Rodgers could realistically return to the NFC North in 2026.
Wild Card: Indianapolis Colts
As a potential AFC contender, the Indianapolis Colts check one of the necessary boxes; whether they need a quarterback will be determined in the coming weeks.
Daniel Jones looked to have revitalized his career in 2025, guiding the Colts to an 8-2 record entering their Week 11 bye. The team then lost its remaining games, missing the playoffs after trading two first-round picks to the New York Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Jones was already dealing with an injury when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14, an injury many cite as derailing the team’s postseason hopes.
However, it could also be argued that the Colts struggled against strong run defenses all season when Jonathan Taylor was contained. The post-bye stretch may have exposed those flaws, with Jones’ injury offering a more convenient explanation.
Still, both Jones and the franchise appear interested in negotiating a long-term deal. Whether the Colts are willing to commit significant money to a player recovering from such a major injury remains uncertain. Much of Jones’ value stemmed from his mobility, which could be diminished.
The Colts also have several key players entering free agency and lack first-round picks in each of the next two drafts. While Indianapolis is a long shot in the Rodgers sweepstakes, that could change if negotiations with Jones stall.
What Are Rodgers’ Other Options?
If things don’t materialize with any of the teams above, two realistic scenarios remain. None of the other quarterback-needy teams can be considered contenders, which likely rules them out as options, even if the teams above are off the board.
In that case, Rodgers could opt to announce his retirement — or keep the door open for a midseason opportunity. A contending team facing a quarterback injury could look to Rodgers as a late addition.
The Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, and San Francisco 49ers all relied heavily on backup quarterbacks in 2025, and Rodgers could theoretically step in for a playoff push. If even that possibility fails to materialize, it may signal the end for one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Rodgers has publicly stated that his heart remains in Green Bay and that he would likely retire as a Packer if given the opportunity, which seems probable. Whether that farewell is postponed another year will become clear in the months ahead.
