Aaron Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, is on the brink of entering free agency for the first time in his illustrious two-decade career. With the New York Jets announcing his release set for March 12, 2025, all eyes are on his next destination. Many anticipate he will choose between the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers, though rumors suggest the Minnesota Vikings could be dark horse contenders.
According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, money is reportedly not the sticking point with either team; it's expected Rodgers will make his intentions known shortly after the Jets finalize his release. The Giants, who desperately need to upgrade their quarterback position after losing out on Matthew Stafford, seem particularly eager to bring him onboard. The team's unstable position may make it difficult to convince Rodgers, who is 41 years old, to sign on for what many see as another challenging era.
On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, ESPN's Adam Schefter discussed potential ramifications of Rodgers's decision during one of his segments. “I think the Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans are just as curious as you and everybody else are because they don’t know right now who’s going to be throwing the football,” said Schefter, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position for both the Steelers and Giants.
After two years with the New York Jets, during which he battled injuries, including tearing his Achilles in 2023, Rodgers returned to complete the 2024 season with 28 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. Nonetheless, the Jets' new management decided to move on, pointing to changes they feel are necessary for the future.
The Steelers are also interested, especially after losing Justin Fields to the Jets and Russell Wilson still being available. These shifts have narrowed the field for Rodgers, resulting in the NFL’s anticipation of where the future Hall of Famer might land. Speculation suggests he wants to cap off his impressive career with playoff contention and possibly a Super Bowl. The question remains whether he feels more secure with Pittsburgh, who just added standout receiver DK Metcalf, or with the Giants, who went only 3-14 last season.
Within the Giants organization, there is concern whether they can persuade Rodgers, knowing they failed to secure necessary trades earlier. Their desperation for his leadership is evident, but many believe he is their last option. Despite the Giants’ efforts, analysts speculate his preference might lean toward Pittsburgh. If he does select the Steelers, it would mark quite the coup for their franchise.
Meanwhile, discussions concerning the Vikings continue to bubble beneath the surface. Following the departures of Sam Darnold to the Seattle Seahawks and Daniel Jones to the Indianapolis Colts, the franchise faces uncertainty at quarterback. According to Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, Rodgers would excel with the Vikings and potentially rank first among quarterbacks if he joins their ranks. Gardner, having closely observed Rodgers's performance over the previous season, sees potential for great success if they were to align.
“By all means, sign with [the Vikings]. They got a really good football team. They're loaded at pretty much every position,” reflects Brett Favre, another former Packers quarterback, endorsing the Vikings as potentially favorable landing ground for Rodgers.
The options before him are vast but equally pressing. Should the Vikings draw up plans to engage another veteran like Jameis Winston, the scenario could change dramatically, eliminating one of Rodgers’ possible avenues for continued success. The urgency is building among franchises who see their own potential pivoting on Rodgers's decision.
Both the Giants and Steelers recognize he is the one missing piece they need as they prepare for the draft and free agency. Each team desperately seeks stability at the quarterback spot, and Rodgers’s decision will undoubtedly set off numerous other moves across the league. For teams like the Giants, who may quickly pivot to Wilson or another quarterback should they lose out, the stakes are high.
The consequences of his choice will reverberate throughout the NFL as franchises contemplate rebuilding or changing directions based on the future of one of the league's most enigmatic personalities. Time is running out, with the new league year beginning soon, putting Rodgers at the center of attention as the football world holds its breath waiting for the news.