With the first wave of free agency over, the quarterback market remains the key focus of the offseason, with Aaron Rodgers’ name front and center.
Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Jameis Winston headline the top remaining free agents at the position. Rodgers is currently weighing his options, and with no urgency to decide before the NFL Draft, the market remains in a holding pattern.
Could Rodgers Be Considering Retirement?
“Clearly, he has not made a decision about what he’s going to do, where he’s going to play, if he’s going to play,” ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter said on The Adam Schefter Podcast.
However, Schefter added, “With Aaron Rodgers, we don’t fully know; we can only surmise.”
As @tyschmit asks, is the possibility of Aaron Rodgers to the Vikings something or nothing?
🎧 https://t.co/FcaJKyfjbD pic.twitter.com/hyOWKSojE0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2025
The four-time NFL MVP would be entering his 21st season if he returns next year. Rodgers turns 42 in December and could be looking at the final contract of his career.
In 2024, Rodgers completed 63.0% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 games. The Jets fell well short of expectations, finishing 5-12, third in the AFC East. He ranked No. 21 in PFSN’s QB+ metric with a 72.2 (C-) score, finishing second only to Joe Burrow in pass attempts.
Rodgers could retire and set his sights on Canton, Ohio, or he could return with something to prove after how things ended in New York. Nobody truly knows what he’s thinking, and only time will tell what decision he makes.
Where Does Rodgers Want to Play?
“If Aaron Rodgers had his way, I believe that he would like to sign with the Minnesota Vikings,” Schefter said. “Do I think it’s likely? No.”
With rumors swirling about Rodgers’ interest in Minnesota, many have drawn comparisons to Brett Favre, Rodgers’ predecessor in Green Bay. Like Rodgers, Favre went from the Packers to the Jets before finishing his career with the Vikings. Both quarterbacks also faced retirement speculation late in their careers, making Rodgers’ potential move to Minnesota even more notable.
However, after selecting J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it’s unclear if the Vikings are interested in Rodgers. Sam Darnold made his first career Pro Bowl while filling in for McCarthy, who was injured before the 2024 season. Despite his success, Minnesota let Darnold walk in free agency, presumably paving the way for McCarthy to take over as the starter.
Darnold, who turns 28 in June, thrived in Minnesota’s system last season. With the team opting to move forward with McCarthy, it’s fair to question whether signing a 41-year-old Rodgers—who has yet to play in the offense—would appeal to the Vikings.
If the Vikings aren’t interested, the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants have been heavily linked to Rodgers. Both teams need a quarterback and have talented pass catchers. Pittsburgh features George Pickens and DK Metcalf, while the Giants have Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton.
It’s possible Rodgers is waiting on the Vikings’ decision before pivoting to the Steelers or Giants. However, with Schefter reporting that Rodgers has yet to decide if he will even play in 2025, anything remains on the table. It could be a while before anyone knows his next move.