Aaron Rodgers is ruling out one NFC team as his next home.
The controversial free agent and four-time NFL MVP has definitively shot down the possibility of joining the New Orleans Saints, while simultaneously fueling speculation about a potential move to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
During a Q&A session at a concert in Austin, Texas, a fan from Louisiana asked Rodgers if he would consider signing with the Saints.
Rodgers responded emphatically, “No,” and added with a laugh, “I’ve played there a couple times. But no, I’m too old. I don’t want to live in Louisiana. Sorry.”
There had been some outside speculation following Derek Carr’s retirement that the NFC South team could be a fit for Rodgers considering the franchise is always postponing an eventual rebuild.
Rodgers, though, definitely ended any rumors, which is in line with what Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com reported last week when he said the Saints were never seriously considering Rodgers.
All the signs instead point to the Steelers as Rodgers’ likely — and perhaps only — destination.
In the same Q&A session, he cryptically mentioned, “There’s a team that might play in Chicago this year,” which can easily be interpreted as a nod to the Steelers, who visit Chicago this season.
Rodgers has been linked to the Steelers all offseason, though he still has yet to formally sign with the team.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II recently told ESPN he’d be willing to wait a little bit longer for Rodgers’ decision, while the quarterback said his verdict has been delayed due to those close to him being diagnosed with cancer.
In 17 starts last season for the Jets last year, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards and tallied 28 touchdowns to 11 interceptions, though the production felt hollow in an ultimately disappointing season for a team that finished 5-12, far below expectations.
Currently, the Steelers’ QB1 would be Mason Rudolph, with 2025 rookie Will Howard and Skylar Thompson following on the depth chart.
As the offseason progresses, Rodgers’ decision remains perhaps the biggest one looming over the NFL.
And the Steelers, who acquired DK Metcalf this season, could see their playoff chances swing with Rodgers’ decision.
Pittsburgh opens at the Jets in Week 1 in a potential storyline that writes itself, should Rodgers take his talents to the Steel City.