Why Aaron Rodgers’ options could be limited in 2025

Who wants Aaron Rodgers?

During his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday, Rodgers joked about his uncertain future with the Jets. 

“Being released would be a first,” Rodgers said. “Being released by a teenager, that would also be a first.” (h/t ESPN)

Last week, The Athletic NFL insiders reported about team owner Woody Johnson’s teenage sons, Brick and Jack, influencing the team’s decision-making.

If he is released, Rodgers might have a tepid market. With the 2025 NFL Draft order coming into focus, two quarterback-needy teams could be out of the picture.

In the way-too-early draft process, there’s a significant drop-off from Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Miami quarterback Cam Ward to the second-tier quarterback prospects.

Per Tankathon, the Giants (2-13) have the No. 1 overall pick, putting them in position to draft a quarterback.

The Patriots (3-12) and Jaguars (3-12) are in line to receive the No. 2 and No. 3 overall picks but already have quarterbacks, which would give the Titans (3-12), who currently hold the fourth overall pick, a chance to draft the QB2.

Teams like the Browns, Raiders and Steelers could be in the market for a quarterback, but Rodgers might be low on the totem pole.

He should fall behind Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson on the free-agent pecking order, and with Kirk Cousins and Derek Carr — if the Saints release him — as younger options who could be available, Rodgers, 41, might be no better than the fifth-most-attractive QB on the open market.

Here’s a look at four teams who might need a quarterback this offseason, plus a better option than Rodgers for each.

Cleveland Browns (3-12)

Better option: Kirk Cousins

On Saturday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the Falcons are expected to cut Cousins before he’s owed a $10M roster bonus in March. Should Cleveland retain head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has a 40-42 record and two playoff appearances in five seasons, the Browns make arguably the most sense as Cousins’ next NFL home. 

Stefanski was his quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator with the Vikings, so he wouldn’t have the same learning curve as Rodgers, making Cousins a more seamless fit.

Las Vegas Raiders (3-12)

Better option: Sam Darnold

Our top destination for Rodgers last month, the Raiders would be better off pursuing the Vikings’ breakout quarterback.

Las Vegas played itself out of the No. 1 pick (for now) with its 19-14 win over the Jaguars, but that could turn into a blessing if it lands the likely top free-agent quarterback.

New Orleans Saints (5-9)

Better option: Spencer Rattler

If New Orleans releases Carr, it would be starting a rebuild and would be better suited with 2024 fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler or another unproven young quarterback starting. 

Going after Rodgers when the goal should be to improve the team’s 2026 draft position would be the wrong move.

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)

Better option: Russell Wilson

Why fix what isn’t broken? Pittsburgh landed a steal in Wilson, who signed in March for the veteran’s minimum while the Broncos pay him $39M.

The Steelers won’t have the same financial luxury on a Wilson extension. However, considering he’s led them to a 10-5 record, they don’t have much incentive to kick Wilson to the curb, especially if Rodgers is the next best option.