Aaron Rodgers’ Free Agency: The Two Crucial Factors
Aaron Rodgers, the soon-to-be free-agent quarterback, has laid out two key factors that will guide his decision on his next team. First and foremost, the team has to want him. This is a fundamental principle in any player transaction; if the team isn’t interested, the player can’t play for them. The second factor is that the team must be a "good team." While this might seem straightforward, it introduces a layer of subjectivity that could significantly limit Rodgers’ options.
Assessing the "Good Team" Criterion
Several teams are likely in the market for a starting quarterback in 2025, including the Steelers, Browns, Titans, Raiders, and Giants. However, not all of these teams can be considered "good" by Rodgers’ standards. The Steelers stand out as the best option among these. They made the playoffs in 2024 without a high-end quarterback, and Rodgers could elevate their performance to new heights. The Titans, despite playing in a weak division, are another potential fit. Rodgers’ presence could help them compete for the AFC South title, particularly against the Texans. However, the presence of Chad Brinker, a 13-year Packers executive now in charge of the Titans’ football operations, could complicate matters. Given Rodgers’ well-documented issues with the Green Bay front office, a reunion with Brinker might be a hard sell.
The Browns and Giants: Potential but Challenged
The Browns could also be considered a "good team," but their situation is complicated by the fact that their best player, Myles Garrett, is reportedly unhappy and wants out. This adds an element of uncertainty to the team’s future. The Giants, on the other hand, seem to need more than just Rodgers to compete with the likes of the Eagles, Commanders, and Cowboys. While Rodgers could certainly improve their chances, it might not be enough to make them a true contender.
Other Possibilities: Vikings, Rams, Colts, and Beyond
Other teams that could be in the mix include the Vikings, Rams, Colts, Saints, Dolphins, and Seahawks. The Vikings would need to decide whether to stick with their 2024 first-rounder, J.J. McCarthy, or take a chance on Rodgers, continuing the Brett Favre career arc. The Rams might be interested if they trade Matthew Stafford, though Stafford is currently better and four years younger. Both the Vikings and Rams could be considered "good" by Rodgers’ standards. The Colts might be looking for an in-house alternative to Anthony Richardson, while the Saints are still undecided about Derek Carr. The Dolphins, needing a better backup to Tua Tagovailoa, could also be in the running, though having Rodgers around might not be ideal for Tua’s development. The Seahawks, with their strong connection to Rodgers through General Manager John Schneider, could consider a shift from Geno Smith to Rodgers, but Coach Mike Macdonald has repeatedly stated that Smith is their guy.
The Reality of Limited Options
In the end, Rodgers might find himself in a situation where he has to relax his definition of a "good team." He may have to choose the "best of the not-objectively-good teams that want me." The free agency market for a quarterback of Rodgers’ caliber is complex, and it remains to be seen whether any team will meet both of his criteria. It’s been more than a week since the Jets announced Rodgers will be released, yet there has been no concrete report of a team actively pursuing him. This lack of interest could force Rodgers to be more flexible in his decision-making process.
The Scouting Combine and Beyond
The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis next week will be a critical juncture for Rodgers’ future. The event will bring together team executives, coaches, and players, and discussions regarding Rodgers’ next destination are likely to intensify. If teams are genuinely interested, conversations will begin to take shape. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers’ future continues. The first of his two factors—finding a team that wants him—remains unsatisfied, and the clock is ticking.
