The New York Jets moved quickly to secure their quarterback this offseason, making an early move in the NFL’s quarterback market by signing Justin Fields to a two-year contract. This decision marked a significant change in the team’s direction and officially closed the chapter on the Aaron Rodgers era.
With Fields now established as the starting quarterback, attention shifts to Rodgers’ next destination—something that may already be nearly decided.
The New York Giants, once seen as a strong contender for Aaron Rodgers, are no longer in the running. On Tuesday, they finalized a one-year deal with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson worth up to $21 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed.
Earlier in free agency, the Giants also brought in Jameis Winston, and with both quarterbacks now on board, it’s evident that they are out of the Rodgers sweepstakes. That leaves just one clear destination still in play: the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Aaron Rodgers seems destined to sign with the Steelers
Rodgers met with the Steelers’ leadership last week and is reportedly close to making a final decision. With the Giants out of the race, Pittsburgh remains the only serious contender for his services.
Rodgers has yet to make an official announcement, but all signs point to his next destination being set. The future Hall of Fame quarterback seems bound for Pittsburgh.
The Jets parted ways with Rodgers earlier this offseason following a disappointing two-year stint in New York. After returning from a torn Achilles in 2024, his individual stats were respectable, but the team’s overall performance fell short.
New York finished 5-12 in Rodgers’ only full season as a starter—one of the most humiliating campaigns in franchise history. While he wasn’t solely to blame, his off-field distractions certainly didn’t help.
Now, Rodgers appears headed to Pittsburgh, where he’ll join a Steelers franchise that hasn’t had a losing season in over 20 years. The former Packers quarterback is reportedly looking for a team culture similar to what he experienced in Green Bay, and Pittsburgh fits that mold.
The Minnesota Vikings were the only other team linked to Rodgers, but with their focus shifting to J.J. McCarthy, the Steelers have become his most realistic destination. In many ways, Rodgers and Pittsburgh are the perfect match.
Meanwhile, the Jets are moving forward with Justin Fields as their new quarterback, setting up a potential showdown with Rodgers in 2025—assuming he finalizes his deal with the Steelers, which now seems all but certain following the Russell Wilson signing.
