The Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting on Aaron Rodgers, but current Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is recruiting the long-time veteran to join Arizona instead. Bourne on X tweeted, “Come on we waiting on you,” which signifies that he’d prefer Rodgers to join the Cardinals before the upcoming 2026 season. The veteran has been linked to the Cardinals in the latest rumors this week, as Rodgers has been very quiet this past offseason. Coming off a season where Rodgers led the Steelers to defeating the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round, the Steelers fell apart against the Houston Texans in a crushing loss.
While the Cardinals have been around the chatter surrounding Aaron Rodgers, it’s easy to see why the team could be interested. Earlier this offseason, Cardinals’ new head coach Mike LaFleur felt good about Gardner Minshew and Jacoby Brissett as their top options at the quarterback position. However, it wasn’t until Brissett demanded to be paid as a starting quarterback, which he hasn’t earned just yet. Arizona decided to select Carson Beck in the third round of this year’s draft, fueling speculation that the team could be preparing to trade Brissett.
If the Cardinals trade Brissett in the next couple of weeks, this would immediately open up the door for Aaron Rodgers.
Former 49er Legend Kendrick Bourne Recruits Aaron Rodgers to Cardinals, Could Join Elsewhere
Meanwhile, the Steelers placed a rare tender on Rodgers if he decides to head somewhere else. It gives the Steelers exclusive rights to him, and if he joins the Cardinals, the Steelers would be granted an additional 2027 NFL Draft pick. Aaron Rodgers, last season, recorded 5.7 percent of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions with the Steelers. Patience could reportedly wear thin in Pittsburgh, so these three other teams could begin ringing Rodgers’ phone in the coming days.
Other Possible Fits
Indianapolis Colts
Aaron Rodgers joining the Colts might be ideal if they can find a way to trade Anthony Richardson. However, the current backup ended his absence despite being declined for his fifth-year option. Richardson doesn’t have anything to lose, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he requests a release if the Colts sign Rodgers. What’s difficult about this potential signing is that the team re-signed Daniel Jones earlier in the offseason to a two-year contract.
Rodgers wouldn’t get the start, but he’d be a beneficial backup for Jones if the Colts want to swap duties between the quarterbacks. The team could play Daniels for the first few weeks of the regular season, while Rodgers can take over for the last few weeks, including the postseason.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers are committed to Bryce Young, but not yet on a long-term extension. The team wants to see more from Young and realize that his rookie campaign was not his fault due to the abysmal offense they had. After upgrading to include Tetairoa McMillan and signing Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips on defense, the young quarterback is in perfect shape to stay consistent. If it falls flat this upcoming season, don’t be shocked if the Panthers turn to Aaron Rodgers to save this offense.
Atlanta Falcons
The same can be said about the Atlanta Falcons. The team replaced Raheem Morris with Kevin Stefanski while signing Tua Tagovailoa to compete with Michael Penix Jr. this offseason. None of these quarterbacks has done enough to prove that they’re long-term adequate options. Tagovailoa has a dangerous background of injuries, while Penix is too inconsistent.
Could Aaron Rodgers single-handedly come in to save the day? Maybe not. However, the Falcons would be in better shape with a reliable veteran, as they had in Kirk Cousins, who left for the Las Vegas Raiders.
