Steelers�?stability vs. Saints�?urgency: Where will Aaron Rodgers take his final shot at glory?

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Apr 12, 2025, 19:49 IST

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Amid growing speculation that Aaron Rodgers will sign with the Steelers, the New Orleans Saints have emerged as a surprise contender following Derek Carr’s shoulder injury. While Pittsburgh offers a playoff-ready roster, New Orleans brings urgency and opportunity. Though a long shot, the Saints�?desperation could make the Rodgers sweepstakes far more unpredictable than expected.

Steelers�?stability vs. Saints�?urgency: Where will Aaron Rodgers take his final shot at glory?

Aaron Rodgers (Via: Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers' free agency saga just got a lot more interesting. While the Pittsburgh Steelers were emerging as the clear frontrunners for the future Hall of Famer, an unexpected twist has brought the New Orleans Saints into the picture. With Derek Carr’s shoulder injury threatening to sideline him for the 2025 season, New Orleans may be forced to chase a big-name replacement and Rodgers tops that list.

Saints eye Aaron Rodgers as Carr faces uncertain future

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The Saints�?quarterback room was already thin. Now, with Carr’s status in doubt and potential surgery on the table, the team finds itself in emergency mode. And when you need a proven veteran who can step in and deliver, Aaron Rodgers naturally becomes the first call.

But there's a catch, Pittsburgh is still the better fit on paper.

Steelers lead the pack, but Saints�?quarterback crisis adds unexpected twist

The Steelers boast a playoff-ready roster, a strong defense, and a dynamic receiving corps featuring DK Metcalf, George Pickens, and tight end Pat Freiermuth. For a quarterback seeking one last title run, Pittsburgh offers both support and stability. It’s a plug-and-play scenario for Rodgers—step in, lead, and chase one more ring with a team built to contend.
The Saints, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing 5-12 season. Outside of Chris Olave, whose health has raised concerns, their offensive weapons are limited. Add to that just $27 million in cap space, and convincing Rodgers to join a rebuilding squad becomes a tough sell. New Orleans lacks the firepower, the depth, and the winning culture that a veteran like Rodgers would likely prioritize.
Also Read: The $7.3B question: Will Giants roll the dice on Jalen Milroe?
Still, New Orleans has something to offer: urgency. If the Saints put forth an aggressive offer and promise Rodgers a central role in reshaping the franchise, they might become a wildcard in this high-stakes chase. Rodgers has never shied away from the spotlight and bringing a struggling NFC South team back to life could be the kind of legacy-defining move he thrives on.
Rodgers landing in New Orleans remains a long shot. But injuries change everything in the NFL. And while the Steelers are the logical destination, the Saints�?desperation could shake things up. With Rodgers still unsigned, no door is fully closed and that’s what keeps this storyline alive.

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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