Aaron Rodgers Faces Uncertain NFL Future After Release by Jets — Could New Orleans Be the Next Stop?
After nearly two decades of dominance, drama, and dazzling throws, Aaron Rodgers stands at a professional crossroads. The 40-year-old quarterback, once the face of the Green Bay Packers and more recently a marquee name for the New York Jets, has yet to announce whether he will return for another NFL season in 2025—or hang up his cleats for good.
With an offseason now in full swing and quarterback dominoes beginning to fall across the league, Rodgers’ future remains one of the biggest question marks looming over the NFL.
Rodgers and the Jets Part Ways After Rocky Two Years
Heading into the 2025 offseason, Rodgers made it clear that if he chose to continue playing, his preferred destination was staying with the Jets. However, the franchise had other plans.
Following two chaotic seasons marred by injuries, inconsistent play, and a revolving door of quarterback drama, New York officially informed Rodgers that they would be moving in a new direction at quarterback. Not long after, the Jets released the four-time NFL MVP with a post-June 1 designation, freeing up salary cap space and making Rodgers a free agent for the first time in his storied 20-year career.
2024 Season: Solid Numbers, But Not Rodgers-Like
Rodgers’ 2024 campaign was his comeback season following a torn Achilles, which he suffered just four snaps into his 2023 debut with the Jets. Despite the daunting nature of the injury, he returned and played a full season, finishing with:
- 63.0% completion percentage
- 3,897 passing yards
- 28 touchdowns
- 11 interceptions
- 90.5 passer rating
While these stats would be respectable for many quarterbacks, they marked a noticeable decline for Rodgers. The crisp precision and improvisational brilliance that once defined his game appeared dulled, and questions began swirling about whether age and injury had finally caught up to the future Hall of Famer.
Lack of Interest in Free Agency Raises Eyebrows
Surprisingly, Rodgers’ release hasn’t ignited the kind of league-wide pursuit one might expect for a player of his resume. There hasn’t been a flood of interest from NFL teams—far from it.
To date, only the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially met with Rodgers and extended a contract offer. Rodgers hasn’t accepted, and no deal is currently in place. According to league insiders, Rodgers also reportedly reached out to the Minnesota Vikings, only to be turned away. Minnesota is fully committed to JJ McCarthy, the rookie quarterback they believe will lead them into the future, even though he has yet to take an NFL snap.
Could the New Orleans Saints Be Rodgers’ Next Team?
While most teams have been quiet on the Rodgers front, a new potential suitor has emerged—and it could change everything.
The New Orleans Saints, previously not linked to Rodgers in any serious capacity, now find themselves in desperate need of a quarterback. Their current starter, Derek Carr, is reportedly dealing with a significant shoulder injury that may sideline him for the entire 2025 season. With limited options and a competitive roster, the Saints could pivot quickly toward Rodgers as a stopgap solution—or perhaps more.
From a logistical standpoint, a union between Rodgers and the Saints could make sense:
- Geography: New Orleans is significantly closer to Rodgers’ home base, which could factor into his decision at this stage of his life and career.
- Offensive Control: In New Orleans, Rodgers may have more autonomy to run the offense the way he prefers, especially under a coaching staff that might be more open to accommodating his style of play.
- Team Need: With Carr out, the Saints need an experienced quarterback who can step in immediately and manage a playoff-caliber roster.
Pittsburgh Still the Frontrunner… For Now
Despite the potential Saints connection, Pittsburgh remains the only team with a formal offer on the table. The Steelers have plenty to offer:
- A solid wide receiver corps led by George Pickens
- A strong defense
- A head coach in Mike Tomlin with a proven track record
- A roster poised to compete for the AFC title
However, Rodgers might prefer the NFC South, a far less competitive division than the AFC North, where he wouldn’t have to face Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson multiple times a year.
Still, if Rodgers is laser-focused on contending for a Super Bowl, Pittsburgh might have the edge—unless New Orleans makes a significant financial and strategic pitch.
What’s Next for Rodgers?
The biggest question surrounding Aaron Rodgers isn’t whether he can still play—but whether he wants to.
- Does he still have the physical edge to endure the grind of an NFL season?
- Does he have the mental fire to commit fully after two frustrating years in New York?
- Is he willing to accept a lesser role or a shorter leash in a new environment?
His options are dwindling, but they’re not gone. Pittsburgh and New Orleans offer very different paths forward—one built on winning immediately, the other potentially offering more freedom and familiarity.
Final Thoughts: Rodgers’ Future Hangs in the Balance
Aaron Rodgers has spent the last 20 years carving out a legacy that will one day earn him a gold jacket in Canton, Ohio. But his NFL story may not be finished just yet.
Whether he returns in 2025 to make one final Super Bowl run—or quietly rides off into retirement—is still unknown. What’s clear is that he’ll do things on his own terms, as he always has.
Until he makes a decision, the league—and its fans—will wait.
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