And just like that, the Aaron Rodgers smoke has dissipated.
Despite chatter (and further dot-connecting) regarding a potential Rodgers-Arizona Cardinals pairing, the veteran is doing what just about everyone expected him to:
Re-signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While a deal isn’t done, Rodgers is planning to play for the Steelers in 2026 and is visiting the team Friday and Saturday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
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It was the most likely move for Rodgers, who played for Pittsburgh under former head coach Mike Tomlin last season and now reunites with former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.
And so ends the unnecessary talk about Rodgers heading to Arizona.
While Rodgers has a longstanding relationship with Cardinals offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and worked under head coach Mike LaFleur’s brother in Green Bay, the veteran signing with Arizona made zero sense.
The team’s quarterbacks room is full as it is, with Jacoby Brissett expected to be the Week 1 starter. There is, however, his request for a raise and current absence from voluntary offseason work to take into account.
Gardner Minshew serves as another veteran option in the room, and third-round pick Carson Beck will need to see the field at some point this year.
Tyler Drake
Born and raised in Kelseyville, California, I spent most of my summers growing up in Arizona. There were a lot of trips to Globe and the East Valley. Once out of high school, I attended the University of Arizona with a major in natural resources before eventually transferring to Arizona State and focusing on sports journalism. After an internship with Arizona Sports and graduating the following semester in 2017, I joined back on with Bonneville as a part-time web editor for both Arizona Sports and KTAR News before taking on the Cardinals beat and full-time role in 2021. I also started the Cardinals Corner podcast. At home, I am married with two kids, Brady and Baker. If I'm not chasing around the kids or at a game/practice, I'm most likely on the golf course. In addition to my time at Arizona Sports, I have also interned/worked for Pinal Central, the East Valley Tribune, Lindy's Sports and Athlon Sports.