After long weeks of uncertainty, Aaron Rodgers’ fate was finally resolved… at least partially. With the hiring of Geno Smith, the Las Vegas Raiders closed their chapter around the former Super Bowl XLV champion but left open a disturbing question: Were they interested in Rodgers?
The Rodgers soap opera began with the end of the 2024 NFL regular season. First, it was unclear if the New York Jets were giving the 21-year veteran another chance. Then, the carousel of teams that might have a spot for him on their rosters began when the Jets announced they were moving on.
Along with the Giants, Vikings, Colts, and Steelers, the Raiders were among many teams rumored to have an interest in signing Rodgers. Las Vegas, however, only recently took themselves out of the equation by signing Smith, and not only that, an insider just revealed the bitter pill of truth that A-Rod will have to swallow.
Did Rodgers have a chance to sign with the Raiders?
While there was much talk about Las Vegas’ interest in bringing Rodgers to the franchise, Pro Football Talk insider Mike Florio just put the rumors to rest. Team sources told Florio that head coach Pete Carroll never considered the former Green Bay Packer.
Florio explained that while speaking to his source about Maxx Crosby’s contract, he also asked about Rodgers’ situation. “Only a day or two before signing the new contract, Crosby said he’d like Rodgers to join the Raiders,” Florio recalled asking the source. “So why aren’t the Raiders and Rodgers talking?”
The analyst was blunt when he recalled, “The source made it clear that the Raiders simply weren’t interested in Rodgers. The source then said, ‘I think Pete [Carroll] wants Geno Smith.'” Days later, the Raiders announced the acquisition of Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a third-round pick.
Will Rodgers go to Minnesota?
Last week, Rodgers hinted that he would like to continue living and playing in New York. With the Jets out of the equation, his only option would be the Giants; however, the team has not shown interest in signing the veteran. Rodgers’ most serious option, according to some analysts, would be the Minnesota Vikings.
At 41 years old and with the constant attention he receives from the media, almost always negative, A-Rod’s future is more uncertain than ever. With free agency starting on March 12, we will soon know if any team is willing to give the four-time MVP another chance or if he’ll be forced to hang up his cleats.
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