Hold the phone! Just when it looked like the Pittsburgh Steelers were on the cusp of signing free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a competitor emerged. Now the four-time MVP quarterback and future First-Ballot Hall of Famer is having a hard time deciding between the Steelers and the New York Giants.
This comes straight from the mouth of respected NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. On The Pat McAfee Show, Rapoport expressed that this is a big decision for Rodgers and he doesn't know what the quarterback will do.
"I heard that [Aaron] Rodgers really liked the Vikings as a destination... I would say, to me, it's Steelers or Giants for Rodgers," Rapoport told McAfee. "Sometimes you can get a feel for these things. Like, I felt Daniel Jones, for instance, was headed to the Colts late last night. I've gone back and forth on Rodgers and I can say I actually don't know. It's a really hard choice. I have some thoughts, but I don't know which way he's leaning."
Normally, Rapoport is on the ball with these things, but the fact that he can't lean one way or another with what Rodgers will decide is concerning.
Aaron Rodgers could choose the New York Giants over the Pittsburgh Steelers
We have to prepare ourselves for the fact that Aaron Rodgers is not guaranteed to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is hard to do, considering Rodgers is the last respectable option on the market. Looking at the decision from his perspective, you can see the dilemma.
While every fan wants to believe that good quarterbacks value playing for a contender, this wasn't the case with Rodgers when he was with the Jets and money speaks. But it's not just about the money. Rodgers already has a mansion in New Jersey, and he wouldn't have to move if he signs with the Giants.
New York is a desirable living destination and it's not like the Giants don't have anything going for them. Though Rodgers would be unlikely to vault a bottom-dwelling organization into playoff contention, he could spend the 2025 season slinging the ball to Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and any wide receiver they could take early in the upcoming NFL Draft.
On paper, the Steelers are a better destination for a quarterback looking to win football games. Rodgers won't make them the best team in the division, but they could clear a .500 record (as they so often do) and have a shot at the playoffs.
Now it comes down to priorities. If Rodgers' decision really comes down to the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Giants, it will be up to him to decide what he values most.