When Aaron Rodgers became an NFL free agent, the market for him as a starting quarterback was immediately limited. To date, only the Pittsburgh Steelers have publicly expressed interest in signing him to that role.
The Arizona Cardinals have long been floated as a potential destination for Rodgers. The team lacks a clear starting quarterback on its roster, and the fit seemed logical on paper. Nathaniel Hackett, Rodgers’ former offensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets, now holds the same position in Arizona. Additionally, Mike LaFleur—Rodgers’ former coordinator under Matt LaFleur in Green Bay (where Rodgers won two NFL MVP awards)—is now the Cardinals’ head coach. Last season, Mike LaFleur served as the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator and reportedly viewed Rodgers as a contingency plan if Matthew Stafford had been traded.
Recent media reports have highlighted connections between Rodgers and the Cardinals that have persisted for weeks. Despite drafting quarterback Carson Beck in the 2024 NFL Draft, Arizona still lacks a definitive answer at the position.
Yet the bigger question remains: How competitive could the Cardinals be in 2024 if Rodgers were to join the team?
The Cardinals face a daunting schedule. They must contend with the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers—each twice per season—within their own division. Their non-division opponents include the four teams of the AFC West, the four teams of the NFC East, as well as the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions.
For Rodgers, who has expressed a desire to finish his career with a playoff run, the path to contention with Arizona would be steep. It’s not impossible, but it’s far from easy.
So while there are clear reasons for the Cardinals to pursue Rodgers—and for Rodgers to consider Arizona—there are equally compelling reasons to question the fit. Nearly two months into free agency, there has been no indication that either side is actively pursuing or targeting the other. Could a Rodgers-to-Cardinals move still happen? Absolutely. Would it make sense at one level? Without question. At another level? Not so much.
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