Over the past few days, there has been a lot of discussion about Aaron Rodgers and whether he will still be playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers at the start of the 2026 NFL season. While Pittsburgh still makes the most sense at this point, another team has been thrown into the mix that may make sense for Rodgers. What was initially discussed as an option by CBS Sports reporter John Breech has now taken on a life of its own. Does Rodgers to Arizona actually seem like a good fit?
Pat McAfee thinks Rodgers to Arizona makes no sense
Former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee stated earlier today that Aaron Rodgers playing for the Arizona Cardinals made absolutely no sense.
“This makes no sense. This would make no sense. This is zero communication from Aaron Rodgers since this report…Why in the blue hell would Aaron Rodgers go to a LaFleur-led team in Arizona that has allegedly worse facilities than the Pittsburgh Steelers?”
Mike LaFleur addresses Rodgers to Arizona
During an episode of the Jim Rome Show, host and NFL Analyst Jim Rome discussed Aaron Rodgers and how has not yet committed to the Steelers. It begged the question as to whether or not Rodgers is looking at other teams. Rome then proceeded to ask Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur about his interest in bringing Aaron Rodgers to Arizona. LaFleur clearly did not feel the need to contribute to any of the rumors and said the following:
“You know, you got the unit that we have with, you know, Gardner and Jacoby and Slovis, and then we draft Carson back in the third round. He’ll be here Thursday finally. We’re trying to some Zoom stuff. So we got a room that we’re excited to work with and that’s solely where my focus is.”
Are the Cardinals interested in Aaron Rodgers??
I asked new head coach Mike LaFleur. pic.twitter.com/bLccj397gE
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) May 5, 2026
NFL Analyst says “He’s Washed” in regards to Rodgers
One NFL Analyst did not discuss Rodgers to Arizona, but he does think that he s will end up playing for the Steelers. On a recent edition of the The Arena: Gridiron Podcast, Skip Bayless stated that he thinks Rodgers will continue to play in Pittsburgh, but that him playing there will be a mistake.
“I do think he will be the starting quarterback for the Steelers, and I do think it will, yet again, be a mistake,” Bayless said. “He’s washed. They did get to a home playoff game and they lost it 30-6 and he had a QBR of 15. He threw for a grand total of 146 yards. I’m glad you brought up Will Howard, I’ve always liked Will Howard. He won the National Championship.”
Will Aaron Rodgers start for the Steelers in 2026?
“I do think he will be the starting QB for the Steelers, and I do think it will, yet again, be a mistake. He’s WASHED.” @RealSkipBayless pic.twitter.com/CauWYOTT1M
— The Arena: Gridiron (@ArenaGridiron) May 1, 2026
Steelers still lead the Rodgers sweepstakes
At this point, the Rodgers to Arizona situation feels less like a mystery and more like a waiting game. Arizona may be getting dragged into the conversation, but the Steelers still remain the team that makes the most football sense for the veteran quarterback. Whether that turns out to be the right decision is another debate entirely. Pittsburgh is clearly trying to squeeze one more run out of an aging roster, and Rodgers is trying to prove he still has something left in the tank. Somewhere between those two things is either a playoff push or a disaster waiting to happen by Thanksgiving.
