The Pittsburgh Steelers have just gotten a surprising update regarding the team's chances to land quarterback Aaron Rodgers from NFL insider Josina Anderson. At the same time, we may likely know Russell Wilson's new team as well.
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Aaron Rodgers about to throw a pass
New York Giants insider Jordan Raanan, appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Tuesday to discuss Rodgers' and Wilson's futures as quarterbacks. Regarding whether Rodgers brings long-term value as a player, Raanan said it wasn't what the Giants were concerned with. The Giants had an abysmal 2024 season, ending with an underwhelming 3-14 record. While the Steelers are focused on getting a playoff win and creating a team that competes far into the postseason again, the Giants' goals are much less ambitious. The Giants' head coach and general manager are under pressure from ownership to get as many wins as possible, as soon as possible, to save their jobs -- even if that success is only short-term. The Giants may see Rodgers as their best chance to perform well in the regular season, and maybe that's all they care to achieve for the time being.
Although the Giants like Rodgers as a candidate, they may need him more than he needs them. Raanan thinks that Rodgers is also interested in short-term success, but for a different reason. Rodgers will be 42 years old before the end of the 2025 season and is looking for a place to end his career on a high note. He is likely looking for a team that he will be able to win with right away, as opposed to a team that he would develop with over time. Raanan expanded on this idea.
"If winning is your priority, then you have to do some serious contorting to think the Giants are a better situation right now," said Raanan regarding Rodgers' potential decision.
Wilson is not opposed to returning to the Steelers for the 2025 season. While none of the Steelers' options for a signal-caller are ideal currently, Wilson is not Pittsburgh's first choice. The Steelers let Wilson explore free agency in the first place, clearly not viewing him as an important enough asset that he was essential to winning. Second, the Steelers weren't willing to outbid the Giants for Wilson.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson throws a pass against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
Despite the Steelers' apparent lack of effort to keep Wilson, he won't rule out playing for his former team. The Giants are expected to pick a quarterback in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. If Wilson does end up in New York, he will likely take on the role of a mentor or backup for a younger quarterback. Fans are even making wagers on where Wilson will end up for online sports betting.
When debating Pittsburgh versus New York as a landing spot for Rodgers, there is one team that complicates the equation: the Minnesota Vikings. Reportedly, the Vikings are Rodgers' preferred landing spot, and if his plan is to rack up as many wins as possible, as quickly as possible, Minnesota may beat out Pittsburgh. However, despite what Rodgers may want, the Vikings are the least likely to take him. Minnesota will have a healthy J.J. McCarthy, a young quarterback coming off an injury, who has a lot to prove. Any veteran quarterback signed by the Vikings would likely be picked to back up or mentor McCarthy, two things that are hard to imagine Rodgers doing.
Whether or not Rodgers' ego will allow him to bite the bullet and settle for something other than his first option is anyone's guess. It is entirely possible that Rodgers retires altogether before the 2025 season.
Steelers Should Know About Rodgers Very Soon
If Rodgers ends up getting his way and signing with the Vikings, it may be the most surprising outcome to his job search. According to Raanan, it is more likely he will take his next best option and land in Pittsburgh.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers nods to acknowledge someone speaking in his direction.
Where do you think Rodgers will end up? Do you think he'll become a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers? Let us know in the comments!
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