The pros and cons of signing Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is once again one of the most talked about names in the NFL offseason.

Two seasons after signing with the New York Jets, Rodgers is on the move again after a tumultuous couple of years. He was pictured on the beach in a stance that has been seen as him pondering his NFL future.

When Rodgers guided the Jets to victory over the Miami Dolphins in the Week 18 season finale, many believed this was the end. With history made, throwing his 500th career touchdown in that game, it would be a nice way to end his career. He was seen saying “this is my last game”. Whether this is was meant as a Jet or in the league is yet to be determined.

Whilst there are less teams linked to wanting his services, the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers are seen as the two landing spots for Rodgers. However, he could also be forced into retirement should these two or any other organisation go different ways.

Should he decide to play on another year, these are the pros and cons of signing the four-time MVP.

The pros

Should Rodgers sign with the Steelers, he would be going to a far more stable franchise than what he experienced with the Jets. Their record of having no losing season since 2003 epitomises this.

With the addition of DK Metcalf, to play alongside George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth, this is an offense that would appeal to Rodgers. After all, despite his struggles for the Jets, he still managed to put up some good numbers.

Rodgers ended the 2024 season eighth for passing yards (3,897). He was also tied for seventh in passing touchdowns (28) alongside Josh Allen who was named Most Valuable Player. We have seen worse player declines than this statistically.

Whilst the Giants represent a similar situation to that of the Jets, Rodgers would be able to resume his role as the main man of the offense. The opportunity for head coach Brian Daboll to work with Rodgers represents a massive selling point for a move to the Giants.

Daboll has been seen as a “quarterback whisperer”, guiding Drew Lock to his best career game statistically and overseeing Tommy DeVito’s brief period of NFL excellence. Being the head coach for Daniel Jones’ one good season as an NFL quarterback and the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, is it safe to say he knows his way around quarterbacks. He has just yet to have a functional one as a head coach. The chance to work with a future Hall of Famer would allow him to truly unleash his coaching abilities.

The cons

However, despite the strengths of Daboll when it comes to working with quarterbacks, the situation would not be too much different playing for the Giants instead of the Jets. Aside from the obvious, that he would not have to move house, with both teams sharing MetLife Stadium, the team around him would be worse. He would go from one team with a star receiver and a struggling supporting cast to another organisation with the same issue.

Whether it’s Garrett Wilson for the Jets or Malik Nabers for the Giants, this does not matter if your offensive line is bad. Rodgers was sacked 40 times with the Jets last season, tied for ninth in the league in this stat. He would not be going to a better situation in Pittsburgh or for the Giants when it comes to protection, a luxury that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is afforded.

Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson (33) and Justin Fields (16) were sacked 49 times between them. Together, this ranks them fourth amongst starting quarterbacks. Daniel Jones (29) and Drew Lock (12) were sacked 41 times between them, a total that would tie them for the seventh across the NFL in 2024.

This should be something that NFL teams looking at Rodgers consider. It is no secret that father time has arrived for Rodgers. He has no longer got the arm or mobility to paper of the cracks of a bad offensive line.

For Rodgers, his status as an NFL quarterback has shifted from being the hero to a bridge quarterback. The question is whether he is willing to accept this.

Andy Davies