When the Steelers replaced Mike Tomlin with former Packers coach Mike McCarthy, it seemingly increased the chances that Aaron Rodgers would return for a second season in Pittsburgh. If not, the only other logical option would be for the quarterback to call it a career. While those two choices still represent the likeliest paths, there could be a third fallback option for the future Hall of Fame QB.
[RELATED: QB Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers Decision Not Imminent]
An executive told Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom.com that the Raiders could end up being an option for Rodgers if things don’t work out in Pittsburgh. That source noted that Rodgers wants to be a definitive starter wherever he signs, and considering those starting opportunities are quickly drying up, the veteran QB may have no choice but “to get something done with Tom Brady” and the Raiders. At the same time, the source noted that a deal would naturally be dependent on the Raiders actually wanting the 42-year-old.
We heard earlier this month that a resolution wasn’t imminent, and La Canfora notes that Rodgers hasn’t shown any urgency to make a decision. For what it’s worth, the Steelers haven’t done anything to address the position this offseason and are clearly open to welcoming back Rodgers for another season.
Of course, the team will eventually like clarity at their most important position. Armed with the No. 21 pick, the draft may prove to be a decisive moment for the franchise. La Canfora notes that Kirk Cousins is also viewed as a “viable option,” although the team would obviously prefer to maintain some continuity (and provide some familiarity for McCarthy) via Rodgers.
The Raiders are all but certain to take Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first-overall pick. The organization would presumably want to kick off that era of their franchise ASAP, but adding Rodgers to the mix would change the equation. There’s some merit to letting the young quarterback redshirt behind the iconic signal caller, although Rodgers’ win-now mentality could also run counter to the team’s developmental priorities.
Ultimately, the most likely path sees Rodgers returning to the Steelers for another season. As Rodgers considers his future, he’s presumably assuming that he’ll be welcomed back to Pittsburgh. If the organization suddenly decides to pivot and Rodgers decides he wants to continue playing, the Raiders could emerge as one of his only options.
No thank you. He can do his own research elsewhere
lol right. That’s what everyone wants for their rookie head coach and rookie number one overall pick quarterback: an old, famous quarterback with main character syndrome. If they’re going to bring in an older, famous QB to go with Mendoza, Cousins makes vastly more sense.