The New York Jets didn’t waste time securing their quarterback this offseason, making an early splash in the NFL’s quarterback carousel by signing Justin Fields to a two-year deal. It marked a clear shift in direction for the franchise and signaled the official end of the Aaron Rodgers era.
Now, with Fields locked in as QB1, all eyes turn to where Rodgers will land next. That answer may now be all but confirmed.
The New York Giants, long considered one of the top suitors for Rodgers, are suddenly out of the picture. On Tuesday, the Giants officially agreed to terms with veteran Russell Wilson on a one-year deal worth up to $21 million, including $10.5 million guaranteed.
The Giants had already added Jameis Winston earlier in free agency, and with both veterans now in the fold, it seems clear that the Giants are no longer in the Rodgers market. That leaves just one obvious destination still standing: the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Aaron Rodgers seems destined to sign with the Steelers
Rodgers met with the Steelers’ brass last week and is said to be nearing a final decision. With the Giants bowing out, the Steelers are now the lone serious contender left in the Rodgers sweepstakes.
Rodgers may not have made it official just yet, but if the signs are any indication, his next team is all but locked in. The future Hall of Fame quarterback appears destined for Pittsburgh.
The Jets officially moved on from Rodgers earlier this offseason after a disappointing two years in New York. The four-time MVP returned from a torn Achilles in 2024, and while his box-score production was decent, the results were lackluster.
The Jets finished 5-12 in Rodgers' lone healthy year as a starter in a season that will go down as one of the most embarrassing in franchise history — and that's saying a lot. Rodgers wasn't necessarily the source of all of that embarrassment, but his off-field distractions didn't help.
Now, Rodgers seems to be on his way to Pittsburgh, where he will join a Steelers team that has not finished with a losing record in over two decades. The longtime Packers quarterback is said to be seeking an organizational culture similar to the one he had in Green Bay. The Steelers offer that.
The Minnesota Vikings were the only other team reportedly interested in signing Rodgers, but with the team opting to focus on J.J. McCarthy for the time being, the Steelers have emerged as the only feasible landing spot. Rodgers and the Steelers need each other.
The Jets will move forward with Fields as their new quarterback with a matchup looming against Rodgers in 2025, assuming he ultimately signs with the Steelers. That feels all but confirmed following the Russell Wilson news.
Get ready for the revenge game of all revenge games next season.