“Aaron Rodgers is the smartest guy in the room — and he makes sure you know it”. That’s not just a compliment; it’s the foundation of nearly every twist in the quarterback’s career. Whether it’s leaving Green Bay in his own time, pulling off a solo darkness retreat before joining the Jets, or turning a torn Achilles into a mystique-filled offseason, Rodgers has never played the NFL game like everyone else. So when whispers about his next move start to circle, especially ones involving a $5.32 billion NFC powerhouse, people pay attention. 

With an elite WR corps, a new-look coaching staff, and a wide-open NFC North, Minnesota suddenly offers more than just revenge potential. It’s a legacy move, one that could make Rodgers the rare QB to dominate three eras: Favre’s shadow, New York’s media fire, and maybe, a rival’s throne. And now, thanks to one fiery claim from Colin Cowherd, it looks like he might have a completely different plan in mind.

In the video clip from “The Herd” on X, Cowherd dives right into the latest intel: “Aaron [Rodgers] is too smart to think the Steelers are a good fit”, as caption. And he continues in a video, “Aaron Rodgers, according to Jeremy Fowler… there are people in the NFL, many, that believe he’s waiting on Minnesota”. While Cowherd doesn’t confirm the claim himself, he doubles down on Rodgers’s reputation for calculated mystery. “He wants to invalidate us [the media], he’s not J.D. Salinger, it’s not that mysterious”, he added, calling the Steelers a “shaky fit” for a QB like Rodgers.

There’s more to Cowherd’s skepticism than just vibes. He points to Pittsburgh’s ongoing offensive confusion, saying, “They’re tone-deaf to offense”. He notes recent chaos involving George Pickens trade rumors and potential overpayment for D.K. Metcalf, arguing the team is making erratic moves instead of building a clear identity. Rodgers, Cowherd believes, knows this — but is avoiding a public rejection out of respect for Mike Tomlin. “He doesn’t want to offend Tomlin”, Cowherd said. “It may be, if he wants to play, his best spot… but they can’t figure out offense”.

As for Rodgers himself, he’s finally broken his silence. Aaron Rodgers recently cleared the air on all the buzz around the Steelers and Vikings during his chat on The Pat McAfee Show. He admitted to having talks with a few teams, including Minnesota, but shot down the idea that he’s holding out specifically for them.

Talking about Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, he said, “I’ve known Kevin forever… we’ve got a good friendship. So we talk outside of just this offseason”. As for the Steelers, he’s stayed in touch, and team owner Art Rooney II even said, “We keep getting positive sort of signals about it.” Still, Rodgers made it clear that personal matters are playing a big role right now, and he’s in no rush to make a call.

And while the Vikings and Steelers dominate the headlines, there’s another team quietly falling out of the picture.

Is Aaron Rodgers quietly shutting the door on the Saints too?

While the Steelers’ buzz has taken center stage, Rodgers’s silence has also left the New Orleans Saints in limbo. Following a disappointing 5-12 season in 2024, where they ranked 4th in the NFC South, the Saints are undergoing significant changes. Reports earlier this offseason hinted at New Orleans exploring veteran QB options amid Derek Carr’s inconsistency. And Rodgers’s name briefly floated in those circles. But unlike the public link to Pittsburgh, he’s never acknowledged New Orleans at all.

Sources around the league believe Rodgers isn’t even considering the Saints. Partly because of roster uncertainty. Also, because the team isn’t in the same win-now window that could attract a 40-year-old future Hall of Famer. A fan threw a blunt question at Rodgers during a concert Q&A in Austin, Texas—would he ever consider playing for the Saints? His answer left no room for doubt: “No. That’s the answer. I’ve played there a couple times. But no, I’m too old. I don’t want to live in Louisiana. Sorry.” And just like that, any whispers of him heading to New Orleans were pretty much shut down.

Taken together, his comments toward New Orleans and the strategic pause on Pittsburgh paint a clear picture. The Saints continue their offseason preparations, including organized team activities and integrating their 2025 draft class. The focus remains on rebuilding and identifying long-term solutions at key positions. While the door appears closed for a Rodgers-Saints partnership, the team’s efforts to revamp under Coach Moore signal a new direction for the franchise. 

Rodgers seems to be keeping his cards close. And if Cowherd and Fowler are right, those cards could point to Minnesota. Whether it’s about legacy, division revenge, or simply the best scheme fit, he’s keeping everyone on their toes.  

The idea of Rodgers donning Vikings purple might sound far-fetched. But then again, so did Brett Favre, doing the same 15 years ago. For now, Aaron is doing what he does best. And that is letting the speculation swirl. And reminding the NFL that the only person who knows what’s coming next… is him.