Football player Sam Howell has been exchanged in a deal with significant potential consequences for Aaron Rodgers
Fresh Take:
Looks like the curtain has fallen on Aaron Rodgers' potential stint with the Minnesota Vikings, as they've snagged Sam Howell from the Seattle Seahawks instead. Now, there are just two prospects left for Rodgers, either joining the Pittsburgh Steelers or heading off into the sunset at age 41.
The Vikings, instead of backing up JJ McCarthy, have now bolstered their quarterback room with Howell. And while there were whispers about Rodgers being interested in playing for the Vikings, it turns out they weren't always willing to dethrone McCarthy for 2025.
Seattle traded Howell and its fifth-round pick (No. 172 overall) to the Vikings for their fifth-round selection (No. 142). Seattle used this newly acquired pick to draft Notre Dame defensive tackle Rylie Mills. Meanwhile, they also drafted QB Jalen Milroe the previous evening.
This development more or less thwarts any hopes Rodgers might have clung to, regarding a potential career with the Vikings.
With the New York Jets having released Rodgers, their new head coach Aaron Glenn opted for Justin Fields instead. Rodgers himself resurfaced recently, sharing some personal insights about his life, NFL future, and the commitments that are holding him back from making a firm decision.
While the Steelers are yet to reach a resolution about Rodgers, it's been reported that they are keen to bring him on board in the coming weeks. As the Green Bay Packers draft drama unfolded, Rodgers appeared reluctant to announce his decision. If the draft had taken place elsewhere, it's possible that his future might already be clear by now.
Enrichment Data–Revised for Clarification and Context:
As of late April 2025, Aaron Rodgers remains undecided about his NFL future, with the Pittsburgh Steelers positioned as the most likely destination if he continues playing[1][5]. The Steelers have been actively engaged with Rodgers since free agency began. However, his non-football priorities, like personal commitments and supporting inner-circle members facing challenges, have prevented him from making a decision[1].
The Vikings, who initially seemed open to discussions with Rodgers, appear to be committed to developing JJ McCarthy. Barring an emergency situation, they don't seem likely to disrupt their current plans[2][4]. On the other hand, the Steelers' team president Art Rooney II has expressed a desire for Rodgers' decision to be made "soon", as their current QB roster lacks established starters[3].
Rodgers himself stated that he remains "open to anything" but hasn't yet made a commitment, leaving the possibility of retirement open[1][2]. The Steelers' recent selection of Ohio State QB Will Howard in Round 6 (No. 185) is seen as complementary rather than a replacement strategy, indicating they are not ruling out a Rodgers signing[3][5].
- The NFL future of Aaron Rodgers remains undecided as of April 2025, with the Pittsburgh Steelers being the probable destination should he choose to continue playing.
- Despite initial talks, the Minnesota Vikings now seem to be focusing on developing JJ McCarthy, making it unlikely they'll be a future choice for Rodgers unless an emergency arises.
- The Steelers' team president, Art Rooney II, has expressed a desire for Rodgers' decision to be made soon due to a lack of established starters in their current quarterback roster.
- Aaron Rodgers, who remains open to any opportunity, has not yet committed to a decision, leaving retirement as a possible option.
- The Steelers' selection of Ohio State QB Will Howard in Round 6 indicates they are not ruling out a potential signing of Aaron Rodgers as backup in American football, particularly in sports like football (NFL) or football (college).
