Could Aaron Rodgers choose this NFC West team over Steelers?

The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Pittsburgh Steelers still don't know whether Aaron Rodgers will be back.

Just in case, they applied the seldom-used unrestricted free agent tender on their quarterback.

That sparked questions about whether they think Rodgers will sign with another team, given that they would now get a compensatory pick in 2027 if he leaves, thanks to the tag. 

Considering that, CBS Sports writer John Breech floated the possibility that Rodgers could reunite with Nathaniel Hackett by signing with the Arizona Cardinals. 

The Cardinals could make sense for Aaron Rodgers

“The Cardinals just hired a new offensive coordinator this year in Nathaniel Hackett, who just happens to be best friends with Rodgers,” Breech explained.

Rodgers' relationship with Hackett has been well-documented. Some speculated the Denver Broncos hired him to be their head coach in an attempt to get Rodgers to join them.

Then, when Rodgers signed with the New York Jets, his former offensive coordinator joined him in Gotham. Rodgers played arguably his best football under Hackett's guidance in Green Bay, so the move made sense at the time. 

However, that's not the only thing that could tie him to the desert. As Breech pointed out, the Cardinals just hired Mike LaFleur as their new head coach. Rodgers already played for his brother, so there's another line of communication there.

“And let’s not forget that the Cardinals are now coached by Mike LaFleur, the brother of Packers coach Matt LaFleur, who coached Rodgers for four seasons in Green Bay. Basically, the Cardinals have a coaching staff that Rodgers would probably find enticing,” Breech added.

The Cardinals made some major additions to their offense, including No. 3 pick RB Jeremiyah Love, WR Kendrick Bourne, RB Tyler Allgeier, and veteran OG Isaac Seumalo.

Rodgers could provide a much-needed stopgap at quarterback while they develop Carson Beck or aim for the class of 2027.

Whatever the case, it seems like it might no longer be "Steelers or retirement" for the four-time MVP.