As the NFL calendar transitioned to the new league year, Aaron Rodgers’ departure from the New York Jets became official, appearing in the league’s transaction wire late Wednesday night.
With a post-June 1 designation, Rodgers is now officially a free agent for the first time in his 20-year career. He is free to sign with any team, and early interest has emerged from the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Minnesota Vikings.
Speculation around Rodgers’ next move gained momentum earlier in the week when reports surfaced about the Steelers’ pursuit of the 41-year-old quarterback for the 2025 season. While teams had to wait until Wednesday for him to become available—following the Jets’ February announcement that he would not return—there has been no official progress beyond those initial reports.
The Steelers’ quarterback situation became more pressing after Justin Fields agreed to a two-year contract with the Jets, leaving Pittsburgh without a clear starter. With their goal of advancing beyond their recent Wild Card Weekend exits, signing a proven veteran like Rodgers could be an ideal solution, assuming mutual interest exists.
The Giants offer another intriguing landing spot, as Rodgers would only need to switch locker rooms at MetLife Stadium after spending the last two seasons with the Jets.
Minnesota has also emerged as a potential suitor following the departures of Sam Darnold to Seattle and Daniel Jones to Indianapolis. With 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy missing almost his entire rookie season due to injury, the Vikings could seek a veteran backup—or, in Rodgers’ case, a potential starter—to help stabilize their quarterback situation.
Choosing Minnesota would draw even more parallels between Rodgers and Brett Favre, who also moved from Green Bay to New York before landing with the Vikings. However, it could also present a tougher challenge, as Rodgers would likely only return to play in 2025 as a starting quarterback.
With Rodgers now free to sign anywhere and no clear timeline for his decision, the focus shifts to where he will land next. As speculation continues, movement on his future is expected to pick up soon.
