The legal tampering period of NFL free agency began on Monday and continued on Tuesday. While players can’t officially sign deals until Wednesday, most of the top free agents have reportedly agreed to deals already.
One of the biggest names who has yet to find a new team is quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who technically isn’t a free agent yet but is expected to be released by the New York Jets soon.
Last month, the New York released an official statement announcing that Rodgers would not return in 2025. Now, the quarterback will look to latch on elsewhere, with the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers counted among likely suitors.
Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut recently predicted where the best remaining free agents will sign. Johnson sees the Steelers ultimately coming away with the veteran signal-caller.
Regarding Rodgers and the Steelers, Johnson offered the following:
The New York Giants are certainly a compelling option, especially if Aaron Rodgers wants to stay where he is. However, there’s far greater appeal for the future Hall of Famer in joining a playoff-caliber team with two playmakers at wide receiver. Rodgers will have a top-15 defense to support him and the receiver tandem of DK Metcalf and George Pickens can be explosive. Rodgers has a good relationship with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and at least competing for a playoff spot in his final season is a lot better than fighting for a .500 record with the Giants.
In 2024, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The veteran’s solid campaign didn’t translate to success for the Jets, who finished with a 5-12 record.
The Steelers, meanwhile, endured another quick playoff exit in 2024 and now need to address the quarterback position. Justin Fields left the Steelers to join Rodgers’ Jets, while Russell Wilson remains unsigned.
As Johnson mentioned, Rodgers would likely welcome playing in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a playoff-caliber roster that added an elite wide receiver in D.K. Metcalf, who joins George Pickens to form a formidable receiver duo.
The defense is also solid, led by star edge-rusher T.J. Watt and reliable veteran Cameron Heyward. Mike Tomlin and Rodgers also appear to have a friendly relationship, which could help make the quarterback’s decision.
The Steelers have been relatively quiet during the legal tampering period after the Metcalf trade. The team has agreed to deals with linebacker Malik Jefferson, tight end Donald Parham Jr. and center Ryan McCollum so far.
Per Over the Cap, the Steelers are projected to have around $65 million in cap space remaining. This means the team could sign Rodgers and also continue to make other additions in a bid to contend in 2025.
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