Aaron Rodgers, a distinguished four-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl winner, and candidate for the Hall of Fame, may have to wait beyond the draft season to secure a new team for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. The New York Jets have officially announced their decision to release the 41-year-old quarterback following two seasons of underperformance. Although Rodgers has not committed to continuing his career, he has expressed interest in joining a team that desires his skills.
Many teams still find themselves in need of a seasoned starting quarterback. In addition to Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Sam Darnold, and Justin Fields are among the top free agents available. Meanwhile, Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are anticipated to lead the selection as the foremost quarterback picks in the draft.
Let’s assess Rodgers’ potential to join teams currently lacking a definitive starter:
**Tennessee Titans:**
Holding the first overall pick in the forthcoming draft, the Titans are projected to trade down to select Abdul Carter, an edge rusher from Penn State, with the third pick. This move could pave the way for Rodgers to potentially guide a promising young quarterback selected in the second or third rounds. Still, new General Manager Mike Borgonzi has indicated that all possibilities are under consideration, making Rodgers an unlikely addition.
**Cleveland Browns:**
Following Deshaun Watson’s Achilles tendon rupture, the Browns are in dire need. Although they are likely to trade the No. 2 draft pick, they must address their quarterback gap either by making trades or through free agency. Veteran Joe Flacco steered Cleveland to a playoff berth in 2023, yet Rodgers could bolster a team eager to compete immediately despite not being directly linked to the Browns.
**New York Giants:**
After unsuccessfully pursuing Matthew Stafford, who remained with the Rams, Rodgers emerged as a frontrunner for the Giants. With Tommy DeVito currently the only quarterback under contract for next season, mutual interest exists between Rodgers and the Giants. However, should New York secure a quarterback early—potentially trading up to the number one spot for Ward—a seasoned backup might be deemed more suitable.
**Las Vegas Raiders:**
An unidentified team official expressed skepticism about Rodgers fitting into Chip Kelly’s offensive scheme. New head coach Pete Carroll, new GM John Spytek, along with minority owner Tom Brady, share a vision of immediate success for the Raiders. Even if they draft a quarterback such as Sanders, Brady’s belief in nurturing rookies could still place Rodgers in the mix should he align well with Kelly.
**Pittsburgh Steelers:**
After a promising start with Russell Wilson, the Steelers ended the previous season on a disappointing note. They are contemplating retaining either Wilson or Fields, but if both leave, Rodgers might be an attractive choice to lead the Steelers further in the playoffs.
**Minnesota Vikings:**
With Sam Darnold entering free agency and J.J. McCarthy recovering from knee surgery, the Vikings, having won 14 games in 2024, possess an array of talent. While Favre’s transition from the Packers to the Jets and then the Vikings led to an NFC Championship, Minnesota appears committed to McCarthy despite the allure of Rodgers potentially steering them to a Super Bowl.
