Aaron Rodgers won’t be back with the New York Jets in 2025, the team announced earlier this week, opening the door for any team to sign the four-time NFL MVP.
Rodgers can’t move like he used to in the pocket, but he can be an asset for a team if he chooses to return for his 21st NFL season. In 2024, the 41-year-old passed for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, two more than Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes.
Per Fox Sports’ NFL analyst Bucky Brooks, a former NFL player: “Considering the importance of efficiency and ball security in a league in which games are routinely decided by eight points or fewer, Rodgers’ recent regression could make quarterback-needy teams hesitate to add the veteran (and his preferred playbook) to the lineup.”
But, Brooks added, “As a short-term rental with Super Bowl experience and a winning pedigree, Rodgers could help accelerate the development of a playoff-ready team if he fully buys into the program.”
Rodgers is too big a name to be a backup, so what teams might be interested in the future Hall of Famer as a starter?
Here are teams that may be interested in the New York Jets castoff:
Minnesota Vikings | Likely
Minnesota selected Michigan QB J.J McCarthy with the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he suffered a season-ending injury during the offseason. QB Sam Darnold led the Vikings to a stellar regular-season record (14-3) and postseason berth, but he underwhelmed against the Los Angeles Rams in a playoff loss.
This is a playoff-ready team with an outstanding head coach (Kevin O’Connell) and a superstar wide receiver (Justin Jefferson). The Vikings meet Brooks’ criteria.
Minnesota could move on from Darnold, a pending free agent, and bring in Rodgers. Meanwhile, McCarthy could sit behind one of the all-time great QBs. Longtime Packers star Brett Favre played for the Vikings. Why not Rodgers, another former Green Bay great?
New York Giants | Unlikely
The Giants have struggled immensely at QB since Eli Manning retired in 2019. Former Giants QB Daniel Jones had shining moments (2022 season playoff win vs. the Vikings) in New York, but he was mostly inconsistent. In 2024, he played far below his contract value and got released.
The Giants went 3-14 last season and started four different QBs. As a result, New York has the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. If the Giants select a QB in the first round, as expected, Rodgers could mentor him until that player is ready to start.
But the Statue of Liberty walking across the Atlantic seems more likely than Rodgers signing with the Giants, who are far from playoff contention.
Pittsburgh Steelers | Likely
As of now, the Steelers must decide between Russell Wilson or Justin Fields at starting QB. Owner Art Rooney II prefers signing one of the two pending free-agent QBs in the offseason, per ESPN, but if that plan falls through, Rodgers could be a solid option.
Rodgers would join a team coming off a 10-7 season and a playoff berth. The tandem of HC Mike Tomlin and Rodgers could make noise in a competitive AFC North, but ESPN Steelers beat writer Brooke Pryor downplays this idea.
Rodgers is “a terrible presence in the locker room,” she said recently. “Every single time he talks, it’s a sub-tweet at someone.”
Indianapolis Colts | Unlikely
The Colts still haven’t filled the void left by QB Andrew Luck since he retired abruptly in 2019. Since then, the Colts have trotted out QBs far past their prime (Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, Philip Rivers).
Indianapolis drafted Florida QB Anthony Richardson in 2023, but he hasn’t shown “face of the franchise” qualities or tremendous passing ability (47.4% completion percentage in 2024). Rodgers could join the Colts, but would that hinder a potential Richardson leap in his third NFL season?
Tennessee Titans | Unlikely
The Titans have the No.1 pick in the NFL Draft and desperately need a QB following another disappointing season at the position from Will Levis, a second-round pick in 2023.
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes recently said Tennessee could be a destination for Rodgers, but this seems like a long shot. Tennessee, 3-14 in 2024, isn’t close to playoff contention.
