Ranking Aaron Rodgers’ remaining options for 2025: Vikings iffy, so who’s left? Exploring pros, cons of others

All indications are Aaron Rodgers is holding out hope the Minnesota Vikings might relive history and, just as they did with Brett Favre years ago, make him the next former Green Bay Packers star to suit up in purple. After discussing the possibility internally, however, the Vikings aren’t interested in granting his wish, with plans to roll with 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy, who sat out his entire rookie season.

So where does that leave Rodgers, who’s already 41 and set to enter his 21st NFL season? There are some remaining quarterback-needy teams, yes, but do any of them register as home run destinations for a former MVP? The Vikings drew Rodgers’ apparent interest for a reason: They were one of the few clubs with quarterback uncertainty and a genuinely attractive infrastructure, boasting both top-tier coaches and playmakers, including star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Now that they’re seemingly out of the picture, instead preferring to add other veteran insurance for McCarthy, here are Rodgers’ top options for 2025, plus pros and cons for each:

• Pros: They could still use quarterback help, even after adding Kenny Pickett via trade. Coach Kevin Stefanski is well respected. And they offer solid defensive support.
• Cons: They’ve recently had one of the NFL’s most dysfunctional offenses and still lack a sturdy line and skill group. They’re squarely in rebuild mode and could draft a signal-caller early as a result.
• Chances of Rodgers signing: Very low

• Pros: The Titans have other proven veterans in the lineup, including Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley. Coach Brian Callahan could use experience under center. And the AFC South is always wide open.
• Cons: Tennessee is set up to use the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft on a quarterback of the present and future. New management probably prefers to just go that route rather than prioritize an aging rental.
• Chances of Rodgers signing: Low

4. Minnesota Vikings

• Pros: This would pretty much be a dream destination for Rodgers, from the elite coaching to fortified O-line to proven playmakers, including Justin Jefferson. Joining Minnesota also wouldn’t necessarily derail — just delay — the team’s long-term plans for J.J. McCarthy, who’s coming off knee surgeries anyway.
• Cons: Unlike a lesser free agent, Rodgers’ profile would make him the new face of the team, effectively postponing any McCarthy growth until 2026. It’d be uncharacteristic for the forward-thinking Vikings, who drafted McCarthy and took a flyer on Sam Darnold in part to offset years of paying big money to an aging quarterback. In other words, Rodgers needs the Vikings more than they need him.
• Chances of Rodgers signing: Low

• Pros: Rodgers is already familiar with New Jersey after two seasons with the New York Jets. Maligned Giants brass is motivated to win now. And Malik Nabers is an electric No. 1 receiving option.
• Cons: Staying on MetLife Stadium turf just to go from one bad New York team to another isn’t exactly a dream sendoff. The offensive line is still iffy. The team’s decision-makers are under immense pressure.
• Chances of Rodgers signing: Mild

2. Retirement

• Pros: Rodgers doesn’t have a clear path to a full-time gig with a guaranteed contender. Calling it a career might prevent further muddying of his Hall of Fame legacy as a Packers icon.
• Cons: This might be Rodgers’ last shot to enter an NFL season with a starting job, which is something only 32 people possess in a given year. And he’s still got an NFL-caliber arm.
• Chances of Rodgers retiring: Decent

• Pros: Under Mike Tomlin, the Steelers are almost always in playoff contention. DK Metcalf’s arrival gives them two Grade-A pass catchers. Pittsburgh could be “all in” on a short-term veteran solution.
• Cons: Metcalf and George Pickens can be volatile. The Steelers operate an old-school offense, often to a fault. And getting over the wild-card hump would require outlasting the tough AFC North.
• Chances of Rodgers signing: High