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NFL, American Football Herren, USA Miami Dolphins at New York Jets Jan 5, 2025 East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers 8 during the third quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. East Rutherford MetLife Stadium New Jersey USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xEdxMulhollandx 20250105_pjc_se8_338
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via Imago
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Miami Dolphins at New York Jets Jan 5, 2025 East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers 8 during the third quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. East Rutherford MetLife Stadium New Jersey USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xEdxMulhollandx 20250105_pjc_se8_338
It’s the NFL’s version of The Office finale: “Will he stay or will he go?” Imagine if Michael Scott quit Dunder Mifflin, only to flirt with Staples and Office Depot. That’s Aaron Rodgers’s offseason. The 41-year-old QB is perhaps the NFL’s most-watched free agent since LeBron’s The Decision, but with more mystery and fewer primetime specials.
After two seasons with the Jets that felt like a Star Wars sequel trilogy—big hype, mixed reviews—Rodgers is back on the market. But this ain’t just about football. It’s about pride, sunshine, and a Steelers safety’s Instagram drama. Buckle up.
On February 20, Rodgers dropped his free agency criteria like a mic at a rap battle. “If they want you… If they’ve got a good team,” he told TMZ outside a California gym. Translation: No more Jets-style chaos. And perhaps a little more love, admiration, and even awe. Meanwhile, stats back his frustration. Despite 3,897 yards and 28 TDs in 2024, the Jets limped to 5-12. “We’re built for this [expletive],” new Jets coach Aaron Glenn said at his intro presser, but Rodgers wasn’t buying it.
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QB Aaron Rodgers reveals what he’s looking for in his next #NFL team…
VIA: TMZ pic.twitter.com/4hIfZjDlKE
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) February 20, 2025
And by February 15, Gang Green told him to hit the road. But don’t sleep on the West Coast. Rodgers loves California’s sunshine, and both the 49ers and Rams have rosters crispier than In-N-Out fries. The Niners’ Brock Purdy is solid, but Rodgers’ experience could be their Avengers endgame. The Rams? Matthew Stafford’s health is a question mark. His desire to stay if bestie Cooper Kupp leaves (as he is likely to) is also questionable. Either team could pivot faster than a Tesla on Ludicrous Mode. Enter Pittsburgh.
The Steelers need a QB, and Rodgers needs a contender. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell thinks Pittsburgh should roll the dice. “The formula of what the Steelers do on offense fits what Rodgers does best at this point of his career, which is protect the football,” he said. The Steelers went 35-13 since 2021 when committing ≤1 turnover. Rodgers?
Quick stats snapshot
- Aaron Rodgers’ 2024: 3,897 yards, 28 TDs, 11 INTs
- Jets’ Record: 5-12 (missed playoffs)
- Steelers’ Record: 35-13 when ≤1 turnover since 2021
Aaron Rodgers has the lowest interception percentage in NFL history—tied with Jacoby Brissett at 1.4%. But let’s be real, Rodgers has thrown over 6,000 more passes than Brissett, so it’s a no-contest. Even though he’s not quite the MVP version of himself anymore, he still knows how to take care of the football. In 2024, his interception rate was 1.9%, which was better than the league average. And if you zoom in on his last 10 games, that number dropped even further to just 1.2% with just four picks. Safe to say, Rodgers still has that elite ball security in his DNA.
Pair that with TJ Watt’s defense, and suddenly, Pittsburgh looks like a steakhouse with a Michelin star. But hold the phone—safety DeShon Elliott wasn’t having it. When rumors linked Rodgers to the Steelers, Elliott fired an Insta grenade: “Leave his a– at the retirement home” (February 12). Cut to February 19. Proactive Sports Performance posts a pic of Rodgers and Elliott grinning like old pals at a BBQ joint.
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Plot twist: Elliott and Rodgers, BBQ buddies?
Caption: “Who retires first?” Elliott reposted it with Jeopardy! theme music. Talk about a Friends “We were on a break!” moment. So, what changed? Maybe Elliott realized Rodgers’ 2024 stats aren’t chopped liver. Or maybe he just loves banter a bit too much. Meanwhile, Rodgers wants a contender, but contenders want cap space.
The Steelers have ~$16 million, per OverTheCap. Signing him means waving goodbye to Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. “Why not take that swing and try to build your team around the defense and special teams and protecting the football on offense?” Barnwell argues. For Rodgers, it’s about legacy. For Pittsburgh, it’s about avoiding another veteran debacle.
From foe to (maybe) friend: Elliott’s Instagram U-turn isn’t just viral fodder. In 2023, he called Rodgers’ vibe disrespectful before a Lions vs. Packers game. Now? They’re flexing together. But if Pittsburgh lands Rodgers, Elliott’s locker room chemistry could shift faster than a Taylor Swift breakup song. Besides, Rodgers’ saga is a reminder.
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In the NFL, loyalty fades faster than a Snapchat streak. As he weighs his options, one quote feels apt. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” —Eleanor Roosevelt. Or, as The Dark Knight’s Joker put it: “Why so serious?”
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Debate
Is Rodgers the missing piece for the Steelers, or just another veteran gamble?
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Is Rodgers the missing piece for the Steelers, or just another veteran gamble?
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