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The quarterback dominoes are starting to fall, and Aaron Rodgers stands alone as the top free agent option still on the board. With four NFL MVP trophies to his name, it’s no surprise teams are lining up for his services.
The Jets are expected to cut Rodgers after June 1, ending his brief and injury-plagued tenure in New York. Now, two of the NFL’s most storied franchises — the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants — find themselves in an unexpected bidding war for the 40-year-old signal-caller. Both teams desperately need a starter under center, and Rodgers represents their best shot at immediate improvement.
Word around the league suggests Rodgers is leaning toward Pittsburgh. It makes sense — Mike Tomlin has never posted a losing record in 17 seasons as head coach. He’s also known for his ability to handle big personalities in the locker room (just ask Antonio Brown or Le’Veon Bell).
But Rodgers might already be testing Tomlin’s famous patience.
On Wednesday, Pat McAfee — Rodgers’ close friend and weekly media host — stirred the pot by sharing a 2021 clip on X where Rodgers spoke highly of the Steelers organization.
Pat McAfee just RT this. Hint to what’s to come? #Steelers #NFL https://t.co/mXnNH2vZ0h
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) March 12, 2025
Is McAfee Hinting at Rodgers’ Next Move?
The repost sent NFL Twitter into a frenzy. Was an announcement coming? Would Rodgers reveal his decision live on “The Pat McAfee Show” as he’s done with major career moves in the past?
McAfee quickly tamped down expectations, clarifying that Rodgers wasn’t scheduled to appear on that day’s show. However, he didn’t exactly shut down speculation, adding that Rodgers’ “affinity for Pittsburgh should be back in the zeitgeist.”
To be clear.. Rodgers is not scheduled to be on our show today
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 12, 2025
Also… does feel like his affinity for Pittsburgh should be back in the zeitgeist
So we wait.
Despite his disastrous Jets stint — which saw him tear his Achilles just four snaps into the season — Rodgers showed flashes of his old self when he returned late last year. His arm talent remains elite, and he’d immediately upgrade either Pittsburgh or New York’s quarterback room.
But any team signing Rodgers gets more than just a quarterback — they’re also getting his weekly media appearances. His Tuesday slots on McAfee’s show have become must-see TV for both football insights and his tendency to veer into controversial territory (from COVID “immunization” to various conspiracy theories).
For Tomlin — who famously runs a tight ship — Rodgers’ off-field persona presents an interesting challenge. The coach has handled difficult personalities before, but Rodgers’ combination of superstar status and outspoken nature creates a unique dynamic.
The decision now rests with Rodgers. Will he choose Pittsburgh’s stability and defensive prowess or New York’s market size and offensive weapons? Either way, expect plenty of speculation until he makes his announcement — hopefully not after another infamous “darkness retreat” that kept the NFL world hanging last time around.
Giants and Steelers fans are checking their phones constantly these days. After watching Kirk Cousins land in Atlanta and Russell Wilson head to Pittsburgh on a minimum deal, they’re wondering if Rodgers might be their ticket back to contention in a quarterback-driven league.
