Steelers Fans Get The Truth About Aaron Rodgers Playing Elsewhere: "All Options Are On The Table"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still patiently waiting for a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers on what he wants to do with his future. Retirement seems to be on the table, while returning to the Steelers is also a likely option. The four-time league MVP playing for a different team in 2026 doesn't seem like something that is likely to happen, but it is an option as the 42-year-old continues to ponder his future and whether or not he wants to continue his playing career. Rodgers signed right before mandatory minicamp during the 2025 offseason, and many believe that is what will happen again.

Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp is at the start of June, which is a good time to assume that Rodgers might be signing. However, there is a small chance that he could be preparing to play elsewhere. People have begun to connect the dots between the quarterback and the Arizona Cardinals, as Rodgers has quite a few existing relationships with the franchise. Former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch appeared on the Up & Adams Show With Kay Adams, and he was asked about the likelihood that Rodgers could go play for the Cardinals.

"I buy it," Batch said. "Just because of the relationship he has with the coaches, but again it comes down to the money. Is Aaron willing to say, 'Hey, maybe this is my last ride,' and try to make as much money as he can. All options are on the table for him."

The former quarterback knows all options are on the table for Rodgers, and Batch has been saying that money is going to play a role in his decision. Rodgers made it clear when he signed with Pittsburgh in 2025 that money did not matter to him, but Batch believes that might not be the case anymore as Rodgers could be preparing to sign his final NFL contract.

Arizona is easily a top candidate for Rodgers. He would be their best option when it comes to a starting quarterback for the 2026 season, and there aren't many teams in the NFL outside of the Steelers and Cardinals, that statement would be true for. The Cardinals have an improving offensive line and some great, young weapons on the offensive side of the ball. There would be no shortage of places for Rodgers to go with the football, and Arizona is obviously closer to the west coast, which is where Rodgers prefers to be.

When it comes to the coaching staff, Rodgers should be very familiar with who is in Arizona. The offensive coordinator in Arizona is Nathaniel Hackett, and he was Rodgers' coordinator with the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets. Mike LaFleur is also the new head coach in Arizona, and he is the brother of Rodgers' former head coach, Matt LaFleur. The connections are there for Rodgers with the Cardinals, and the offensive side of the ball should be somewhat enticing for the veteran quarterback.

Steelers View Aaron Rodgers As The Team's Best Option

The Steelers are obviously still trying to win now, despite the fact that many people have disagreed with this approach from the franchise. Pittsburgh has been trying to win for a decade, and the team hasn't really made any progress. It is getting close to the time where the organization is going to have to strip everything down to the studs, and signing Rodgers would be a sign that the franchise wants to give it one more shot. 

Sometimes teams have to fall to the bottom of the league in order to get back to the top, and that is a reality that the Steelers have been unwilling to accept.

What do you think Rodgers is going to end up doing for the 2026 season? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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