The Arizona Cardinals seem to be loading up on quarterbacks.
They are currently rostering Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Carson Beck and Kedon Slovis. It would make sense for the Cardinals not to add any more quarterbacks to an already crowded room.
But do the Cardinals have room for a four-time MVP?
Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers still hasn’t re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading to speculation he could go elsewhere.
Despite the Steelers placing a rare unrestricted franchise tender on Rodgers, he is still free to sign with another team.
The Steelers would get a compensatory pick in 2027 if they lose Rodgers.
John Breech of CBS Sports says the Cardinals are the ‘landing spot that makes the most sense’ for Rodgers.
Why Do the Arizona Cardinals Make Sense for Rodgers?
Despite being projected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL next year, not to mention their already crowded quarterback room, Breech feels Rodgers could be an option for Arizona.
Connections matter in free agency, and this could be a move that just makes too much sense given the personnel the Cardinals have.
“The Cardinals just hired a new offensive coordinator this year in Nathaniel Hackett, who just happens to be best friends with Rodgers,” Breech wrote. “When the QB signed with the Jets in 2023, he essentially brought Hackett with him to New York. The two have a relationship that dates back to their time in Green Bay. Hackett was the offensive coordinator for three seasons with the Packers (2019-21), and Rodgers just happened to win two MVP awards in that span.
“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.”
But Is Rodgers Truly a Fit?
Despite Hackett being the offensive coordinator for the Cardinals entering 2026, he won’t be calling the plays. LaFleur likely will.
In addition, does Rodgers really move the needle in a loaded NFC West division for a bottom-feeder like Arizona?
Despite being one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time, Rodgers has declined in recent years.
Last season with the Steelers, Rodgers passed for 3322 yards. That’s a career low for Rodgers when he played at least 16 games. Same thing with his 24 passing touchdowns. His 6.7 yards per attempt and 10.2 yards per completion are also career lows.
While the fit is definitely there coaching-wise, and even player-wise, he doesn’t fit the timeline of where the Cardinals are.
In the midst of a major rebuild, the Cardinals are likely to start Brissett as their bridge quarterback. While Brissett is in the middle of a contract dispute with Arizona and could be traded, there are other options.
Minshew and Beck could realistically start for the team, should Brissett struggle or be traded.
Rodgers is entering the twilight of his career. So, in his age-43 season, does he really help this Arizona team? Likely not.
Cardinals ‘Make Most Sense’ as Landing Spot for 4-Time MVP