Denver has entered the race forAaron Rodgers during this 2026 free agency cycle. This move comes after many linked the veteran quarterback only to the Pittsburgh Steelers recently.
The motivation for this pursuit involves current starterBo Nix. There is talk that the Broncos might bring Rodgers in for an official visit soon. This is surprising news.
Aaron Rodgers
Aug 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on from the sidelines against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Some worry that Nix will not be fully healthy for Week 1. He suffered a broken ankle during a playoff win against the Buffalo Bills. This creates a roster gap.
Owner Greg Penner recently shared a different view at the annual league meeting. Henoted that Nix is “ahead of schedule” regarding his recovery. Penner expects him back for OTAs.
Coach Sean Payton must decide who gives the team the best title shot. Payton understands the difficulty of winning championships with two different franchises. He wants to finish the 2025 work.
Rodgers could be a one-year upgrade for the roster. Payton might gamble on the veteran to secure his place in Canton. It is abig decision for the head coach.
During more than three weeks of free agency, no team other than the Steelers have been linked to Aaron Rodgers. The Broncos could be lurking. https://t.co/JK0p9n1BCY
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 1, 2026
The veteran quarterback must also weigh his own options. He wants a second Lombardi Trophy before he retires. He must choose between the Steelers and the Broncos for that goal.
This situation is not an April Fool’s joke despite today’s date. The Broncos are serious about looking at Rodgers. They are challenging the Steelers for his services right now.
Sean Payton ponders Aaron Rodgers move
If this deal happens, Rodgers would visit several former teams. He would face the Jets and the Steelers on the road. He would also return to San Francisco for games.
The 49ers famously passed on him in 2005. They also tried to trade for him back in 2021. A move to Denver would bring his career to a full circle.
“Beyond the basic question of whether Nix will be healthy is whether Nix gives the Broncos the best chance to get to the Super Bowl and win it,” according toreports.
Payton is clearly thinking about his legacy. He wants to be the first coach to win a Super Bowl with two teams. “Why wouldn’t Payton at least ponder the possibility?” the report asks.
If Rodgers chooses Denver, he will avoid playing the Packers. That matchup would only happen in the Super Bowl. Fans remember their 1997 title game. It remains a historic matchup.
Denver is ready to make a splash. The front office is evaluating every possible path to winning. Rodgers remains a primary target for teams needing elite leadership under center.