Aaron Rodgers Projected to Sign with Struggling NFC Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 11:12 AM ET

After spending one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Rodgers is set to become a free agent. The veteran is set to hit the open market when the new NFL year begins on March 11 and will be free to sign with any team.

Even though he is 42 years old, he has yet to make a retirement decision, making a return for a 22nd season possible. After throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 94.8 passer rating for the Steelers, several teams could be interested in the four-time MVP.

In an article for Fox Sports, Henry McKenna predicts that Rodgers will sign with the Arizona Cardinals.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8).Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

"Arizona’s new coach Mike LaFleur is Matt LaFleur’s brother, and of course, Matt coached Rodgers in Green Bay," McKenna wrote. "While it wasn’t always the happiest marriage, it was telling that Rodgers stood up for Matt when his job security came under fire. I think that might have built a bridge between Rodgers and the LaFleur family that could land the QB in Arizona for 2026."

The Cardinals went just 3-14 last year and have not had a winning season or playoff appearance since 2021. That year, they went 11-6 and suffered a wild-card round loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Arizona is expected to move on from former No. 1 pick Kyler Murray through either a trade or release. He made just five starts last season, while Jacoby Brissett made the rest. It's also a relatively weak quarterback class in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Cardinals may not want to use the No. 3 pick to upgrade the position. Signing Rodgers, a 10-time Pro Bowler, would at least bring another veteran into the room and possibly give Arizona a stopgap at quarterback. He'd also be cheap, with Spotrac projecting the 42-year-old to sign a one-year, $10.5 million deal.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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