Former NFL wide receiver James Jones believes the New Orleans Saints are now a threat to sign Aaron Rodgers away from the Pittsburgh Steelers after Derek Carr’s retirement.
Jones, who played with Rodgers in Green Bay for seven seasons, speculates that the Saints’ wide open quarterback situation could make them an appealing option for Rodgers as he continues to deliberate his NFL future.
“The call should have been made when Derek Carr said, ‘Hey, man, I’m not feeling this shoulder and it’s time for me to be with my wife and kids,” Jones said. “They should have been calling Aaron Rodgers. If Aaron Rodgers walked into the New Orleans building right now, he’s the best quarterback in the division and gives you a chance to win. They absolutely should make the call to Aaron Rodgers and ask, ‘What’s your plan?’ If you come over here, you’re in the dome. The division is weak, and you have a chance."
The Rodgers saga has taken twists and turns. On Friday, a leak by Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 the Fan may have been the sign that Rodgers was coming to Pittsburgh. According to Fillipponi, the rumor was Rodgers had joined the Nevillewood Country Club, a course designed by golfing great Jack Nicklaus.
Yet, the club’s president Wayne Chiurazzi, in a statement to Rich Walsh of KDKA, denied that report, stating they would love to have Rodgers but it has not happened.
“This rumor is NOT true. I just spoke with the Club at Nevillewood President Wayne Chiurazzi, who said Aaron Rodgers did not join. The Club would love to have him if he does sign with the Steelers. It is true that Nevillewood is a beautiful Pittsburgh suburban golf course,” Walsh said.
The Steelers have three quarterbacks on the roster, but general manager Omar Khan said they would have four on their training camp roster, with the last one likely being a veteran. Rodgers is the top candidate for that, and Pittsburgh remains confident he will sign.