It seems as though every season now, there is drama about the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This year, the question has been whether or not he retires or returns to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That is, until the Arizona Cardinals became a potential suitor for Rodgers.
As it stands now, the Cardinals and Rodgers are just a big rumor. However, it’s a rumor that has caught some steam. More than that, according to Mike Florio, it’s an idea that also makes plenty of sense.
“The Cardinals have always been a possibility, given that they don’t have a clear first-string quarterback on the roster. And it would make sense for the Cardinals to be interested in Rodgers,” Florio wrote.
“Nathaniel Hackett, his former offensive coordinator with the Packers and the Jets, has that same role in Arizona now. And Mike LaFleur, brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur (with whom Rodgers won a pair of NFL MVP awards), is the Cardinals’ head coach.”
On paper, all of that makes a lot of sense. The problem is that it’s a short-term solution. Florio added to that, explaining that since the Cardinals don’t look competitive in 2026, it may not even be worth kicking the tires on a future Hall of Fame quarterback.
“But here’s the reality,” Florio wrote. “How competitive will the Cardinals be this year, even if Rodgers were to join the team? They have to contend with the Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers in their own division, playing each twice per year. The Cardinals also play the four teams of the AFC West, the four teams of the NFC East, the Saints, Jets, and Lions.”
The Arizona Cardinals Have an Intriguing Quarterback Situation
GettyArizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur
Going into 2026, the Arizona Cardinals have one of the more interesting quarterback situations in the NFL. That’s in no small part because they don’t have a clear long-term answer at the position.
Jacoby Brissett started most of last season. He’s back, but he’s also in a contract dispute with the team, and for most of his career, he’s also been a backup. Then, Gardner Minshew is new to the team and has starting experience, but is generally seen as a backup. Add to that Carson Beck, a rookie who the Cardinals invested a third-round pick in, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see multiple Cardinals start throughout the season.
Aaron Rodgers would come in and be the team’s starter. There’s little doubt of that. However, he would also be a fifth quarterback on the roster, which would lead to some interesting decisions down the line.
On top of that, there have been rumors that the Cardinals are trying to tank in 2026 to get the best possible draft pick in 2027. That’s seen as a quarterback-heavy class. So, adding someone who could win a couple extra games, but likely not get the Cardinals to the playoffs, may not make sense either.
It Would Be Difficult for Aaron Rodgers to Leave the Pittsburgh Steelers
GettyPittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers
As it stands now, the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to want Aaron Rodgers back on their roster. Certainly, based on how they’re building their roster, that’s where the Steelers are putting their eggs.
On April 28th, the Steelers added a right-of-first-refusal tag to Rodgers. That will allow them to protect themselves if he signs somewhere else, like the Cardinals. Rodgers is allowed a 10% raise on the tag, which takes him to around a $15 million salary. However, the Steelers can match any offer, and if he’s unsigned by training camp, then the Steelers get exclusive rights to negotiate with him.
This makes one thing clear, the Steelers want him and he’s going to be hard to get away from Pittsburgh. That is, if he wants to play at all. So, getting him to Arizona is probably a long shot.
Cardinals and QB Aaron Rodgers Make Sense as a Pair According to Mike Florio