The Aaron Rodgers era in New York is coming to an end. After a disastrous two-year stint with the New York Jets, the team has decided not to bring him back. But other NFL teams are monitoring his situation and could look to add the four-time MVP.
Among those teams, two stand out as potential landing spots. After a drawn-out will-he-won’t-he saga in 2023, Rodgers once again appears to be torn between two teams. However, his decision hinges on one key detail.
The Aaron Rodgers Sweepstakes
Ranking 21st on PFSN’s QB+ metric with a 72.2 grade (C-), Rodgers’ time in New York fell far short of expectations. Instead of Super Bowls, the former champion missed nearly all of the 2023 season, and despite staying healthy in 2024, he led the team to just a 5-12 record.
Now, Rodgers reportedly has two options — the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. And Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk believes a decision could come as early as Tuesday ahead of free agency becoming official.
“The Steelers and Rodgers could have an agreement in place as soon as Tuesday. He won’t be able to sign until Wednesday when the Jets release him.”
However, the Giants could still make a strong push for the former Super Bowl winner.
Rodgers’ hesitation about joining New York stems from his desire to play two more years. While he could be tempted to stay in New York if the Giants offer him a bigger deal, there’s a major concern the Green Bay Packers legend must consider.
“If he picks the Giants, and if the Giants fail to make it to the playoffs in 2025, co-owner John Mara could clean house in 2026. A new G.M. and a new head coach could result in the same decision the other New York team made this year — a decision to move on from Rodgers.”
On the other hand, a stable Mike Tomlin system could guarantee Rodgers a second season with the team. Plus, as currently constructed, Pittsburgh offers him a stronger shot at a playoff push than staying in New York.
Rodgers ranked 52nd on PFSN’s Top 121 Free Agents list, with analyst Ben Rolfe making one thing clear.
“He used to be a talent elevator and now likely needs to be elevated by the talent around him.” Instead, he can act “as a steadying force for a team that is otherwise set to make a run.”
That perfectly describes the Steelers. Their recent addition of DK Metcalf, alongside an already explosive George Pickens, could be enough to convince the former Jets quarterback to head to Pittsburgh.