Aaron Rodgers is back on the menu! Since the start of the NFL negotiation period, everyone has been eager to see where the four-time MVP quarterback would end up. Thanks to the latest report surrounding the Minnesota Vikings, the Pittsburgh Steelers look like a more realistic destination than ever.
On Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that the Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls for J.J. McCarthy and plan to move forward with their young quarterback. Pelissero also reported that Minnesota is out on Rodgers at this time.
"Minnesota is still interesting in adding a veteran [quarterback], whether through free agency or a trade, but I am told they are not pursuing Aaron Rodgers," Pelissero said on NFL Network. "J.J. McCarthy now enters the offseason as QB1. For Rodgers, his immediate options now center on the Steelers and the Giants."
Rodgers was rumored to be holding out hope for the Vikings as an option. Minnesota was a 14-3 team in 2024 and quarterback Sam Darnold had an impressive season—throwing for 35 touchdowns and over 4,300 yards while playing with brilliant offensive-minded head coach, Kevin O'Connell. Rodgers could have followed in the footsteps of Brett Favre, who went from the Packers to the Jets to the Vikings to close the door on a Hall of Fame career.
With the Vikings reportedly dropping out of the race, the Steelers are the expected favorites to land Rodgers, and fans should be excited about this news.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could swoop in to sign Aaron Rodgers after Minnesota Vikings drop out
Aaron Rodgers presents a mixed bag of emotions to Pittsburgh Steelers fans. We know the headache that accompanies him everywhere he goes. But we also know that his resume is among the best in the history of the league, and if we're being honest, he's the best option on the market... pretty easily, in fact.
Though Rodgers led the New York Jets to just a 5-12 season in 2014, the Jets cleaned house with their coaching staff during the season. The veteran quarterback still managed to throw 28 touchdown passes and nearly 3,900 passing yards on a dumpster-fire organization.
Rodgers is 41 years old, but if he's willing to come to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal now that the Vikings are out of the race, fans should be all about this. Like him or not, Aaron Rodgers gives the Steelers the best chance to win football games, find playoff success, and—who knows—maybe even compete for a shot at a championship.
It's unlikely Pittsburgh's seventh Lombardi Trophy comes this year, but Rodgers is the best option on the market by a mile.