Aaron Rodgers rumors tracker: Latest news on Giants, Steelers, other potential 2025 landing spots image

The next destination of former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers may soon be realized. Rumors surrounding the 41-year-old veteran quarterback heated up Friday, and there are a few teams that appear to be the favorites to land the veteran quarterback.

After the Los Angeles Rams announced that Matthew Stafford would be returning to L.A., the landing spots for Rodgers became a bit clearer.

Let’s run through the latest rumors surrounding Rodgers and try to predict where he may end up.

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Aaron Rodgers rumors tracker

Steelers agree to deal with QB Mason Rudolph, but ‘still waiting’ on Rodgers

Pittsburgh has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with quarterback Mason Rudolph in free agency, which is a reunion after Rudolph spent some time in Tennessee. However, Rudolph is the expected backup to whichever big-name quarterback the Steelers land, with Russini reporting that they’re “still waiting to hear back” from Aaron Rodgers.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo added that Pittsburgh valued Rudolph no matter which QB1 it lands, but the team is still “in the mix” for Rodgers.

Steelers have made an offer, but Rodgers is taking his time

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, an offer from the Steelers has been made. Him delaying his decision isn’t about money, but more about taking his time.

Schefter is tired of waiting around for Rodgers

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter expressed his frustrations with the Rodgers waiting game on a podcast Wednesday. “This shouldn’t be that hard,” Schefter said. “The Giants want you, the Steelers want you. We’re seeing players across the league make decisions, so just make the decision and live with it.”

Vikings “evaluating” possibility of signing Rodgers

Rodgers still hasn’t decided between the Steelers and Giants, allowing the Vikings to remain in the mix. Minnesota is still looking for a veteran quarterback to pair with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who is expected to compete for the starting job.

Jets officially releasing Rodgers

The Jets are officially releasing Rodgers. New York is marking the move as a post-June 1 cut, which allows the team to slit his dead cap hit over two seasons. The Jets will have a $21 million cap hit for Rodgers, until June 1, when it drops down to $14 million, which will save the franchise $7 million. The caveat is that the Jets will also be on the hook for $35 million for Rodgers in 2026.

‘Nobody knows’ Rodgers’ timeline for decision

  • Date: March 12
  • Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN

“Nobody knows” when Rodgers will make a decision, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on the network, adding that the Giants and Steelers are both in a “holding pattern” at this point.

Schefter reports Russell Wilson will be an option for the team that doesn’t land Rodgers but says the former Seahawks starter is expected to have other options.

Rodgers ‘deciding between the Steelers and Giants,’ hoping for Vikings involvement

As Rodgers is set to officially hit free agency, he is choosing between the Steelers and Giants, per Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano. In addition to those teams, Vacchiano reports Rodgers “is seemingly hoping the Vikings will get involved,” adding that it is a possibility Minnesota does engage.

Giants remain “hopeful” on landing Rodgers

With the Jets set to release Aaron Rodgers into free agency on Wednesday, ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that the Giants are “hopeful” they can land the QB. It does seem as though the Steelers have the edge, but New York hasn’t ruled out landing the veteran quarterback.

Giants are “waiting” on Rodgers to make a decision

Rapoport said on The Insiders on NFL Network that the Giants are “awaiting word” from Aaron Rodgers on where he will sign before looking into other options at quarterback. New York has made its pitch, and money doesn’t appear to be a sticking point, according to Rapoport.

Steelers could turn elsewhere if financial agreement no reached

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that if on going discussions with Rodgers fail to result in a financial agreement, the Steelers could bring Russell Wilson back.

Giants had ‘great conversations’ with Aaron Rodgers

Garafolo said that New York has had “great conversations” with Rodgers amid their interest in the quarterback, with the fit between he and Malik Nabers part of those conversations. He added that the Giants believe Rodgers and Nabers would “really vibe” and help one another, as conversations will continue between the 41-year-old and New York.

Daniel Jones set to join Colts, making Vikings potential landing spot for Rodgers

Indianapolis is signing Jones to a one-year deal, per Rapoport. With that deal, Minnesota could become a more realistic landing spot for Rodgers, as the Vikings are known to have interest in a veteran insurance policy for rookie J.J. McCarthy, who’s coming off knee surgery in 2024.

With Darnold in Seattle, Fields in New York and Jones in Indianapolis, the Vikings could turn toward Rodgers as their next quarterback option.

Rodgers is the Giants’ top target, but New York unsure of quarterback’s desires

The Giants’ interest in Rodgers has already been rumored, but SNY’s Connor Hughes reported Monday that the 41-year-old is more clearly “the quarterback the Giants want.” However, he also added that New York is unsure if Rodgers has mutual interest while the Steelers loom as the team most sources believe will land him.

If New York can’t get Rodgers, Hughes wrote that the Giants would pivot to Russell Wilson, although the Titans have also expressed interest in the former Steeler, Bronco and Seahawk.

Rodgers’ options dwindle after Seahawks, Jets make QB signings

Rodgers was linked to multiple teams with QB vacancies, but that number has decreased. Seattle has agreed to terms with Sam Darnold while the New York Jets have reached an agreement with Justin Fields, confirming they will not be bringing Rodgers back.

Now, the most notable QB openings are with the New York Giants and Steelers.

Steelers ‘in discussions’ with Rodgers, deal not imminent

After an errant report that a deal was almost done, it’s been reported that Pittsburgh is “in discussions” with Rodgers, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. But both sides are not near an agreeement.

Giants still waiting to hear Rodgers on decision

ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported that as of Sunday night, the Giants were still waiting on a decision from Aaron Rodgers. He’s clearly their top option for QB, but he was still assessing his options around the league.

Steelers emerge as potential destination for Rodgers

The Steelers continue to assess their QB situation and with Justin Fields expected to consider other options outside Pittsburgh, the team is now viewing Rodgers as a potential option, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter added that Rodgers and Pittsburgh are “expected to talk.”

Seahawks expected to talk to Rodgers

After trading away Geno Smith to the Raiders, the Seahawks are expected to talk to Rodgers, according to The Athletic’s Diana Russini. Seattle was not on his radar until the Smith news.

Vikings are a “dark horse” for Rodgers

With Geno Smith traded to the Raiders, there is now an opening at quarterback with the Seahawks, making it less likely the Vikings bring back Sam Darnold. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Minnesota could be a destination for Rodgers, categorizing the Vikings as a “dark horse” candidate.

Giants looking into “all veteran quarterback options”

Stafford was reportedly targeted by the Giants, until the Rams announced Stafford’s return to the team on Friday. Just minutes after the Rams announced that their quarterback would be coming back, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Giants would be exploring all possible veteran quarterback options, including Rodgers:

Giants shifting interests to Rodgers

Russini of The Athletic takes Schefter’s reporting a bit further, in reporting that the Giants are shifting their interests to Rodgers more closely:

New York considering trading with the Titans for No. 1 pick

In an interesting twist, Art Stapleton of USA Today reports that Rodgers and the Giants haven’t made contact. But he adds that the team is considering him as a veteran option:

But as of Wednesday, Rodgers had not reached out to the Giants despite reported rumors and the Giants had yet to talk to him, according to two individuals with knowledge of the situation.

There is a sense that the Giants and general manager Joe Schoen want to sign a veteran and also draft their quarterback of the future with a trade from No. 3 to No. 1 receiving strong consideration should that opportunity present itself with the Tennessee Titans. The price could start at a pair of third-round picks, several league sources indicated to NorthJersey.com and The Record, and the negotiation would continue from there.

In a game of musical chairs for the Giants, the music is still playing. All doors are open at quarterback, and they should be, considering Tommy DeVito is the only one on the roster. Make no mistake: from everything I have heard this week in and around the Giants, Rodgers absolutely represents a chair to be considered – he is NOT believed to be the next chair and is likely closer to a last resort if the music stops and the Giants’ other targets in free agency go elsewhere.

Giants considering Rodgers, but may not be their “top option”

Hughes adds in his reporting that Davante Adams could be considered a package deal if Rodgers ends up with the Giants:

Rodgers himself reached out to the Giants

  • Date: Feb. 26
  • Source: Mike Florio

Rodgers being linked to the Giants started earlier in the week, as well. On Wednesday, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio stated that rumors in Indianapolis suggested Rodger had reached out to the Giants himself. Via PFT:

There was talk at the Combine on Tuesday that Rodgers has reached out to the Giants.

Usually, we don’t traffic in things we’ve heard. Because we hear plenty of things that might or might not be true. The way I heard this specific thing, however, leads me to believe it’s more likely than not true.

It’s a surprising twist, to say the least. Currently, the Giants are not objectively “good.” They could end up being better in 2025 than they were in 2024, and Rodgers could help them get there. Playing for the Giants also would result in Rodgers not having to move.

Aaron Rodgers Landing Spots

New York Giants

There’s no question that the Giants need a quarterback. Last season, New York released former first-round draft pick Daniel Jones and ate over $22 million of his salary cap hit. Sure, Rodgers may not be the Giants’ first choice, but he brings veteran experience, which they haven’t had since Eli Manning retired. Plus, Rodgers wouldn’t have to move and could continue playing in MetLife Stadium.

With the Giants, Rodgers would have the likes of receivers Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson to throw to. The Giants could give Rodgers another weapon from this year’s draft, or Rodgers could recruit someone like Davante Adams again to come join him.

Las Vegas Raiders

Could Sin City be in the cards for Rodgers? Las Vegas is in need of a quarterback. The Raiders finished 4-13 last season and played both quarterbacks Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. Neither guys stood out as a viable starter, and they both dealt with injuries throughout the year as well.

Although the Raiders have been linked to quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 6 overall in the NFL Draft (if he’s still available), getting both quarterbacks in their room may not be a bad idea. They can sign Sanders to a rookie deal and land Rodgers to help them win right away and compete for a playoff berth. That would certainly make for a fascinating dynamic as well, having both Sanders and Rodgers’ star power on the roster.

Minnesota Vikings

Quarterback Sam Darnold is set to be a free agent in March, and there’s no guarantee that he will be brought back. With Minnesota already having quarterback J.J. McCarthy on the roster, the Vikings could sign Rodgers to a one-year deal, similar to what they did with Darnold.

McCarthy missed the 2024-25 season entirely due to a torn meniscus. The Vikings drafted him No. 10 overall in the first round and could take a more cautious approach with giving him the keys given his injury. In Minnesota, Rodgers would have talented wideouts like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to throw to.

Cleveland Browns

This one may seem a bit unlikely, as the Browns are expected to take a rookie quarterback this year. Given Deshaun Watson’s disastrous tenure with the Browns over the last three seasons, Cleveland seems likely to take a rookie with the potential to be the Browns’ new franchise quarterback, in case Watson continues to nosedive. ESPN’s Jeremey Fowler suggested why Cleveland could be a potential option.

“People I’ve talked to around the league do not see a natural fit for Aaron Rodgers,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said earlier this week. “I do look at Cleveland because I’m told from sources there that every quarterback with any sort of starter’s experience they are going to evaluate and look at as a potential option. So, you have to include Aaron Rodgers in that. But probably doesn’t make a lot of sense there.”

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Morgan Moriarty

Morgan Moriarty joined The Sporting News as a content producer in the fall of 2024. Her sports journalism career started at the University of Florida in 2012, where she graduated in 2015. She has covered college football and basketball, the NFL and numerous other major sports for outlets like the Tampa Bay Times, Saturday Down South, UPROXX Sports and SB Nation. She also covers college football for Bleacher Report, and is a featured guest on various CNN programs.