Aaron Rodgers finds himself at a crossroads, contemplating whether to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for another season. His decision could have ripple effects across the league, especially if he decides not to reunite with his former Green Bay Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy.
While the Minnesota Vikings have been mentioned as a potential landing spot, another intriguing possibility has emerged: the Arizona Cardinals. The connection here is Nathaniel Hackett, the Cardinals' offensive coordinator, who has a history with Rodgers.
Hackett was hired as the Broncos' head coach back in 2022 when there was buzz about Rodgers being on the trading block. Although that move didn't materialize until 2023, Hackett later joined the Jets, who eventually traded for Rodgers.
Adding to the intrigue is Mike LaFleur, the Cardinals' new head coach, who was the Rams' offensive coordinator. Interestingly, Rodgers was reportedly the Rams' backup plan if Matthew Stafford had departed in 2025.
LaFleur's brother, Matt, coached Rodgers in Green Bay from 2019 to 2022, during which they achieved a stellar 47-18 record and Rodgers picked up two NFL MVP awards. Rodgers' performance during that time was remarkable, with 137 touchdown passes against just 25 interceptions.
Rodgers' first season with the Steelers saw him leading the team to a 10-6 record, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His impact was immediate and significant, showcasing his enduring talent.
With new leadership in Arizona, the Cardinals might consider moving on from former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray. As Florio suggests, it would be wise to keep an eye on whether the Cardinals will explore bringing Rodgers into the fold. The potential fit in Arizona could be an exciting chapter in Rodgers' storied career.