NFL Trade Rumors: No Timetable on Aaron Rodgers Signing

Aaron Rodgers will continue to hold the NFL in suspense. According to ESPN's Peter Schrager, the former New York Jets and Green Bay Packers quarterback has "no timetable" on when he'll be ready to sign for the 2025 season and has even told teams like the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers to move on if that doesn't suit them.

Background

Since being released by the New York Jets following the 2024 season, Rodgers has been linked to several teams, including the Steelers, the Giants, the Minnesota Vikings, and even the Los Angeles Rams.

However, Rodgers' options have dwindled. Free agency is in its late stages, and the NFL Draft has come and gone. The Rams settled their issues with quarterback Matthew Stafford, signing him to a reworked contract. The Vikings also recently closed the door on a potential hookup, apparently electing to entrust their offense to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Even the Giants have signed Russell Wilson, who expects to start, and drafted Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with a first-round pick.

Impact

The Steelers have always been Rodgers's most logical (and realistic) fit. They've made the playoffs in four of the past five seasons, even with often middling quarterback play. They also have a credible wide receiver duo in George Pickens and the recently acquired D.K. Metcalf.

The Steelers have also failed to land a credible alternative to Rodgers so far. Mason Rudolph currently sits atop their depth chart, and the only quarterback they took in the draft was Will Howard in the sixth round.

Still, if Rodgers' personal matters continue to prolong his decision-making, the Steelers would be wise to begin considering other options. Rodgers is no longer worth this level of uncertainty. He has been thoroughly ineffectual over his past three seasons, amassing a 14-21 record while averaging 5.85 net yards per passing attempt and 216.9 passing yards per game.

Worst of all, if Rodgers eventually elects to retire, the Steelers could be left empty-handed. It's better to move on now. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins remains available. He's nearly five years younger than Rodgers and has thoroughly outplayed him since 2022, amassing a 24-15 record while averaging 6.51 net yards per passing attempt and 266.3 passing yards per game. The Steelers could be better off throwing the dice on Cousins, even if it costs them a 2026 draft pick.