Aaron Rodgers has taken his precious time in free agency deciding where (or if) he will play in 2025. The waiting game seems to have backfired, as a few rumored landing spots are making moves elsewhere.
The Giants have been linked to Rodgers all offseason, and he could serve as a veteran complement in case they opt for a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. But as Rodgers waited, seemingly undecided on his future, the Giants grew impatient.
On Friday, New York agreed to a deal with former Browns quarterback and 2015 No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston.
The 31-year-old quarterback has served as a backup in New Orleans and Cleveland, bringing chaotic play off the bench with all of the highs and lows. Now, he joins New York on a two-year, $8 million deal, which could be worth up to $16 million with incentives.
Veteran QB Jameis Winston is signing with the #Giants, per source.
The team remains open to adding another QB through free agency or the draft, and Winston’s deal — two years, $8 million — doesn’t preclude them from making additional QB moves. pic.twitter.com/q71mJaamDS
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 21, 2025
What does this mean for Rodgers? What about Russell Wilson or teams like the Steelers and Vikings who are both in the market for a veteran quarterback? Here is a look at how Winston’s signing has shaken things up.
MORE: Aaron Rodgers rumors tracker: Latest news on Giants, Steelers, other potential 2025 landing spots | Jameis Winston contract details: Former Browns QB agrees to two-year deal with Giants
How Giants signing Jameis Winston impacts other teams, QBs
Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers has reportedly had offers from the Giants and Steelers on the table but has been hesitant to commit to either team. There was a rumor he was interested in joining the Vikings as their temporary starting quarterback as the team transitions to last year’s 10th overall pick J.J. McCarthy.
The Giants could still be on the table, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Friday night. The more likely possibility, though, seems to be the addition of another QB through the draft, as New York is in prime position with the third overall pick.
Rodgers spent six hours at the Steelers’ training facility Friday, meeting with their coaches, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. The two sides plan to stay in touch. Perhaps that drove the Giants to pull the trigger on Winston, unwilling to wait around for Rodgers. Certainly, his options are dwindling.
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Russell Wilson
Wilson visited with the Giants last week and finds himself in a similar position to Rodgers after the Winston signing.
His options might be even more limited, however. After his 2024 season with the Steelers, neither side is eager for a reunion. Unless the Giants decide to go with two veteran QBs or a dark horse team emerges, Wilson may be stuck as a backup in 2025.
Could Wilson go somewhere like Cleveland? The Browns would likely be better off just drafting a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick. The Titans could sign Wilson, especially if they draft Travis Hunter or a non-quarterback with the first overall pick. But the list of QB-needy teams gets short very fast.
Winston’s signing may mean Wilson is the odd man out in this year’s QB carousel.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Winston’s signing with New York leaves Pittsburgh as the most logical Rodgers destination. The two already had a positive meeting and contract details are reportedly already sorted, all Rodgers has to do is sign.
The #Steelers and Aaron Rodgers have had contract parameters in place for weeks, sources say, and money wasn’t a discussion point during today’s visit. It was a chance for both sides to get to know each other.
The #Giants also remain involved. The decision is in Rodgers’ hands. pic.twitter.com/JbuxYJMVB3
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 21, 2025
Where else Pittsburgh would look if they do not sign Rodgers, is unclear. The Steelers could draft a quarterback like Jaxson Dart or Quinn Ewers, or they could pursue a veteran like Ryan Tannehill. But at this juncture, it feels as if Pittsburgh and Rodgers are likely to come to an agreement.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings did not need Winston and they don’t need Rodgers. McCarthy is the future and his development should be the priority. Minnesota has already made it clear that they are all in on McCarthy, letting Sam Darnold walk in free agency.
Even if Rodgers were to sign with Minnesota, it’s not clear how much he would play, which is why it seems unlikely the Vikings go with the veteran. In fact, Minnesota is talking to Tannehill about a potential deal, a cheaper, less high-profile backup who could make more sense than Rodgers.
Sources: The #Vikings have had discussions with former #Titans QB Ryan Tannehill about a potential deal. Talks are ongoing and nothing is imminent as of right now, sources tell @NFLonFOX. pic.twitter.com/yF71IYo9Pg
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 21, 2025
