Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not yet publicly or officially made a decision on whether he will play in the NFL in 2025 or retire and end his 20-year career. Going into the offseason, he had made it known that, if he decided to play, he wanted to remain with the New York Jets.
The Jets, however, informed the four-time NFL MVP that they wanted to go in a different direction at the quarterback position after a tumultuous two seasons with him as a part of their organization. Soon after that news became public knowledge, New York released him with a post-June 1 designation, making him a free agent for the first time in his storied career.
Former Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers Has Not Had Many Suitors
Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks off the field with wide receiver Davante Adams (17) after the game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
In 2024, in his first season coming off of a torn Achilles, Rodgers completed 63.0% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 90.5 passer rating. And while these stats are far from terrible, they certainly are not Rodgers-like.
Indeed, the future Pro Football Hall of Famer looked like he had lost a step. And now that he is a free agent, teams are not exactly lining up to bid on his services.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, of course, are the only team that has officially met with Rodgers and already has a contract offer on the table. However, Rodgers has not agreed to anything. He has reportedly reached out to and been rejected by the Minnesota Vikings, who want to start JJ McCarthy, who has no NFL experience, over him
However, one other NFL team may have just emerged as a potential destination.
Aaron Rodgers Could Replace Derek Carr on the New Orleans Saints
Sep 24, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Saints were not a team that was ever mentioned as a potential destination for Rodgers. That may change now, though, as news has broken that Derek Carr has suffered a shoulder injury that could cost him the entire 2025 season:
The #Saints suddenly have a major QB question: Starter Derek Carr is now dealing with a shoulder injury that threatens his availability for this season, sources say.
Carr is weighing options, including the possibility of surgery. pic.twitter.com/QNdc9ipE8P
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2025
Of course, New Orleans would likely have to heavily outbid Pittsburgh if Rodgers decides to play in 2025. The Steelers have a superior wide receiver room and are closer to competing for a Super Bowl than the Saints.
That being said, one can never be certain of anything when it comes to the former Packers quarterback. New Orleans is closer to home for him and he may have more freedom to call the game the way he wants to than he would in Pittsburgh.