The league knows how to keep its fans engaged, even if it’s the offseason. It hasn’t even been a week since the free agency market opened and there’s already drama all around. Much like many times before, at the center of it all is Aaron Rodgers–a name on everyone’s mind these days. Despite his apparent failure with the New York Jets, the veteran still finds himself in demand. But the teams aren’t just interested, it feels like the entire NFL world is just sitting around waiting for him to make up his mind about what he wants to do next. Until when? 

Interestingly, up until now, Rodgers barely had any expectations from his next team; all he wanted was someone who wants him. But seeing Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings (to some extent) at his bay, he is over the thought of settling down for the bare minimum. But what does that have to do with Russell Wilson? 

So, here’s when things get interesting. Apparently, one of Rodgers’ suitors—Steelers (aka Wilson’s current team), is putting their quarterback plans on hold until Rodgers makes up his mind. Translation? They wouldn’t make any decisions regarding Wilson’s future until they get a clear picture of whether Rogers will be joining the Black and Gold or not. Sounds unfair to Wilson, right? Well, that’s how the NFL does it. Yet, it couldn’t stop Wilson from taking a visit to Cleveland, who have a potential landing spot for him. But would he join them? Let’s see about it. 

Insider Adam Schefter suggested on Unsportmanlike Radio that the Cleveland Browns “probably wouldn’t be able to offer a similar contract as Giants and Steelers, I’m guessing.” Though the Giants and Steelers may have a preference for Rodgers, it’s not like they don’t see value in Wilson. “Everybody’s got options, everybody’s got options. You know, it’s interesting that the Giants and Steelers might be in Aaron Rodgers, like I said, one of them decides, ‘You know what, I’m not waiting around anymore. Let’s go get Russell Wilson’,” he added. 

I mean, we’re talking about Wilson here–a Super Bowl champion, a guy who’s been one of the top quarterbacks in the league for years–and now he’s kind of being treated like an afterthought. It’s wild if you think about it! Like a broken cassette, fans have been hearing the same old details about Rodgers and Wilson’s (somewhat) similar fate, the Steelers’ plan, and so on.

Schefter seems to think the reason behind this is the teams and players not having any push to seek what they want, especially since there’s no set deadline. And while the Steelers and Giants seem to be placing all their eggs in one basket, there’s a fair chance things could take a different turn.

Retirement looms for Aaron Rodgers if Vikings pass

Rodgers made it clear in July last year that he aims to clinch at least two more Super Bowl rings before hanging up his cleats. His best shot at achieving that might be with the Vikings. If he couldn’t get through, he could very well consider retirement instead. But do the Vikings even want him?

Umm… not so much. “The people in the organization that I’ve talked to have been pretty consistent in their message: Aaron Rodgers is possible, but unlikely,” reported Jeremy Flower on the Rich Eisen Show. Let’s be honest: The Vikings have J.J. McCarthy on their horizon, whose development has been their prime focus since drafting him in 2024. For him, they didn’t even spare another chance for Sam Darnold. There’s one scenario where this could work. It could be an opportunity for Rodgers to mentor McCarthy as he did Jordan Love in the Green Bay Packers. This could allow him to learn from one of the best for a year or two, which would certainly boost his growth as a quarterback, since it’s a top priority. 

For now, Kevin O’Connell is unlikely to compromise McCarthy’s debut for a veteran, especially given how heavily they have invested to surround the rookie with solid offense weapons. However, it’s not like Rodgers and Vikings can never happen. After all, free agency can be pretty unpredictable.