The Aaron Rodgers waiting game continues as NFL free agency heads toward its third day, with both the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants solidifying their pursuit of the four-time MVP. Several players, including former teammates, have spoken out, discussing not only Rodgers’ football skills but also his leadership and work ethic.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, speaking on March 11, 2025, teams across the league are anxiously awaiting Rodgers' decision, as he holds significant influence over the future quarterback dynamics. "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," Schefter remarked on SportsCenter.
The Steelers had actively pursued other quarterbacks, making attempts for Matthew Stafford, who opted to return to Los Angeles, and Justin Fields, who chose to take up a two-year, $40 million opportunity with the New York Jets. This has left them scrambling back to Rodgers, who at 41 years old is still seen as the first choice for Pittsburgh and New York, both teams needing to solidify their quarterback positions.
While the Giants lost out on Stafford's services, attention turned to Rodgers, who ended the season with the Jets and played every game after recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury from September 2023. With the Jets announcing their intention to release him amid what many called two disappointing seasons, the door is now wide open for Rodgers.
"He's 20-plus years in the league and he's one of the hardest workers in the weight room," said Isaiah Davis, running back for the Jets, who lauded Rodgers’ dedication to his craft. His efforts have not gone unnoticed by those who have shared the locker room with him, earlier highlighting his role as both mentor and QB. "You take from him the work ethic. And no matter what you've done... you know hard work is going to pay off," he added.
Meanwhile, there is speculation on potential new landing spots for Rodgers.
Brett Favre, another legendary quarterback, suggested on Fox News, "By all means, sign with them (the Vikings). They got a really good football team. They’re loaded at pretty much every position, they made it to the playoffs last year, and they’ve got a tremendous fan base, much like the Packers." Favre pointed out the historical precedent he set moving from the Packers to the Vikings and the success he found there.
Former NFL linebacker Jason Cabinda spoke on NFL Network, stating, "I see him going to Pittsburgh and really maybe having... not his best year, but one where we can be optimistic about this team.” Key players within the NFL community recognize his potential. At age 41, Rodgers still holds impressive stats: four MVP awards, a Super Bowl ring, and career numbers boasting 62,952 passing yards and 503 touchdowns. If healthy and motivated, he could lend significant strength to any playoff contender.
Quincy Williams, who spent the 2023-24 season with Rodgers on the Jets, spoke warmly of the quarterback, saying, "A Hall of Fame quarterback is asking me my perspective on football. Like, man, you done played against a lot of good linebackers. Why you asking my perspective?" Reflecting on the quarterback’s dedication, Williams said, "He cares about winning. That's the crazy thing -- he cares about football. He cares about how the people in his locker room feel about him. That's the main thing." This highlights the dynamic between Rodgers and his teammates, which extends beyond just the field.
Rodgers himself has remained relatively coy amid the excitement of free agency. Recently he remarked, "I’d like to go to a team that's wants me," emphasizing the desire to join a team where he's wanted. The anticipation surrounding his decision continues to build, with fans and analysts alike eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this storied quarterback's career.
With so much speculation around Rodgers, the stakes are high as he considers which team will offer him the best chance for success as he moves forward, possibly even entering his final professional season. The dynamics of NFL free agency have brought forth many twists and turns, but one thing is certain: wherever he lands, fans of the game will be watching closely.