Mike Florio has a clear idea about Aaron Rodgers’ best move in 2026: he should avoid signing with teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers or Minnesota Vikings and instead wait for the perfect late-season opportunity. Florio suggests Rodgers hold off on committing anywhere right away and only step in if a contender’s starting quarterback gets injured.
Waiting for the Right Chance Like Philip Rivers
Florio explained his reasoning during a conversation with 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller, stating,
“He’s gonna wanna go somewhere where he’s got a chance to get back to the playoffs in his last season and possibly advance,”
and added,
“My case is he needs to be the Philip Rivers of 2026, where he just sits back and waits. And if there’s an injury to a quarterback on a contender, you show up and play part of the season and try to put yourself in position with a team that can win multiple games in the postseason.”
Advantages and Challenges of Florio’s Proposal
This approach could spare Rodgers from offseason programs he dislikes and protect his body by limiting the total hits he takes during a season. Additionally, joining late and helping rescue a team’s playoff hopes could earn him admiration. However, the plan also presents significant hurdles.
The main difficulty lies in quickly adapting to a new offensive system midseason. Rivers pulled off something similar partly because he already knew the Colts’ playbook, having coached a high school team that used the same offense. Even then, he faced challenges, like a mistake that the San Francisco 49ers exploited.
Complications in Finding the Ideal Team Fit
For Rodgers, who would need to grasp a new offense on the fly, locating a team with a familiar scheme is tricky. Pittsburgh, with Mike McCarthy as head coach, is unlikely since Rodgers worked with McCarthy before. His former Jets staff has been replaced, removing another potential landing spot. Joining the Arizona Cardinals under Nathaniel Hackett is possible, but their slim playoff chances reduce the attractiveness.
Rodgers is undoubtedly one of the most intelligent quarterbacks ever, yet expecting to achieve chemistry and success after joining a team late in the season is a tall order. Unlike Rivers, who stayed close to football during his comeback, Rodgers could be far removed from the game if he waits months without playing.
Lessons from Rivers’ Return and Rodgers’ Retirement Dilemma
Rivers’ time with the Colts wasn’t smooth; he took over a struggling team, lost his three starts, and was sidelined for the season finale. If Rodgers chooses to come out of retirement similarly, it could delay his path to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There is also no assurance a suitable spot will even open up, as it depends on injury-driven desperation by a contender.
Ultimately, Rodgers faces a decision: fully commit to a team when training camps begin or stay retired. Florio believes a reunion with McCarthy in Pittsburgh is the likeliest option if Rodgers opts to return.
The Unlikely Adoption of Florio’s Advice
Despite Florio’s confident recommendation, he concedes this is advice Rodgers probably won’t follow.
