Aaron Rodgers to the Steel City?
It’s shaping up to be a very real possibility as the Steelers are in discussions with the ex-Jets quarterback, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Monday afternoon.
The swift turn of events unfolded “when it became apparent” that Justin Fields — who primarily backed up Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh last season — “wanted to test his value in the free-agent market.”
The Steelers then pivoted discussions to Rodgers, 41, and Sam Darnold, coming off a career year in Minnesota.
Fields, 26, has received interest from the Jets, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting Monday morning that the former first-round pick “needs to understand more about” the situation.
Fields was traded to the Steelers last March following three seasons with the Bears, who drafted him 11th overall in 2021.
He threw five touchdowns and one interception, and led the Steelers to a 4-2 record to start the year before Wilson returned from injury.
Wilson (16 touchdowns, five interceptions) reached the playoffs with the Steelers but rode a five-game losing streak to close out the year, including a wild-card loss to the Ravens in January.
It was reported last week the Steelers were leaning towards Fields over Wilson, 36, who also joined the club in early 2024.
Follow the Post’s NFL Free Agency live coverage
Meanwhile, Rodgers has been heavily linked to the Giants after the new-look Jets — headed by coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey — told him they’d be going in a different direction at quarterback for 2025.
Rodgers spent two unremarkable seasons with the Jets, the first of which ended in four plays after rupturing his Achilles in the September 2023 opener.
The four-time league MVP played in all 17 games last season, throwing 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
The Giants are in desperate need of a quarterback after coming up short in last month’s Matthew Stafford chase.
They released starter Daniel Jones in November after a putrid 2-8 start.
Though it remains to be seen who will be suiting up in black and yellow, the Steelers have already acquired a shiny new toy for their quarterback to play with in ex-Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf.
The Pro Bowler was traded to Pittsburgh on Sunday and will receive a five-year, $150 million contract.