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Aaron Rodgers' free agency saga may soon be reaching its final chapter. After months of speculation, podcast appearances, and cryptic comments, NFL insider Ian Rapoport says the Pittsburgh Steelers are the clear frontrunners for the veteran quarterback's services, assuming he decides to play at all in 2025.
Rodgers, 41, has made headlines during the offseason for everything except football. From guesting on "The Joe Rogan Experience" to sharing personal updates on the "YNK Podcast," he's offered plenty of food for thought, just not much clarity. Still, Rapoport believes the situation is crystallizing. "It would be a surprise if Aaron Rodgers is not on the Steelers right now," he told NFL Network on Tuesday, noting that all signs point to Pittsburgh as the likely destination.
Why Pittsburgh makes the most sense
For Rodgers, Pittsburgh offers more than just an open roster spot. It's a team with a strong defense, solid coaching, and a clear need for a veteran presence under center. With the Jets experiment cut short by injury and other rumored options, like the Vikings, still tied up with developing quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy, the Steelers seem like the last seat left in the game of musical chairs.
Rapoport speculates that Rodgers could announce his decision right before mandatory minicamp. It would be the perfect way to re-enter the NFL conversation with minimal media distraction, get up to speed with the playbook, and disappear again until training camp. "Just reading the tea leaves, that makes the most sense," Rapoport said, before adding, "But because it's Aaron Rodgers, what makes the most sense isn't always what actually happens."
Rodgers' next move could shape the AFC
If Rodgers does land in Pittsburgh, it could significantly shake up the AFC playoff picture. The Steelers haven't had elite quarterback play since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, and Rodgers, if healthy, brings instant credibility. The only real question is: does he want to do it?
Until Rodgers makes his choice public, the football world can only guess. But all signs, insiders say, are pointing to black and gold.