Aaron Rodgers could pursue a spot with the Arizona Cardinals this offseason if the Pittsburgh Steelers choose not to re-sign him, according to NFL analyst Mike Florio. This possibility gains traction as the Cardinals reportedly plan to part ways with quarterback Kyler Murray amid a weak quarterback class, making Rodgers a viable option to continue his career in Arizona for at least one season.
Connections Between Rodgers and Cardinals’ Coaching Staff
One factor that could influence Rodgers’ decision is the presence of Cardinals offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who previously worked with him. Hackett’s existing relationship with Rodgers might encourage the quarterback to reunite with a familiar coach. Despite this, Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur emphasized that their offensive strategy will develop independently, stating,
“We’re not gonna be Green Bay. We’re not gonna be the Rams. We’re not gonna be the Niners. We’re gonna be us, whatever us becomes.”
Recent Changes in Cardinals’ Coaching Lineup
The Cardinals have opted to retain defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, who LaFleur praised as a rising talent with promising future potential. In addition to keeping linebackers coach Matt Feeney, the team is bolstering their coaching staff by adding Pete Kwiatkowski as defensive line coach, Brett Ekkens from Tiffin University, and Colts defensive quality control coach Brent Jackson in an assistant defensive backs role. These additions indicate an active shift toward strengthening the coaching staff across defense and offense.
Seahawks Discipline and Coaching Adjustments
In other NFL news, Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe was fined $18,444 for two unnecessary roughness penalties during the Super Bowl, both involving Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The penalties came from a late hit and a retaliatory punch after Diggs grabbed Jobe’s facemask. Meanwhile, the Seahawks plan to keep inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti on the staff in a different capacity after hiring Zach Orr as the new inside linebackers coach.
Implications for Rodgers and the Cardinals Moving Forward
If Aaron Rodgers joins the Cardinals, it would mark a significant shift for both him and the franchise. Given the uncertainty in the quarterback market and the departure of Kyler Murray, Rodgers offers steady leadership and experience. The Cardinals’ evolving coaching staff, including familiar faces like Nathaniel Hackett and Nick Rallis, could provide an environment conducive to Rodgers’ style. How this potential move impacts the Cardinals’ future season will depend largely on the team’s ability to blend new coaching philosophies with Rodgers’ veteran presence.
#AZCardinals coach Mike LaFleur on retaining DC Nick Rallis:
We had an “honest and open dialogue.” Went against him 6 times in last 3 years, impressed me. “He’s a stud. His best days are ahead of him.” pic.twitter.com/vg6X7IyG5R
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) February 18, 2026
Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur on offense under Nathaniel Hackett: "We're not gonna be Green Bay. We're not gonna be the Rams. We're not gonna be the Niners. We're gonna be us, whatever us becomes."
— Jeremy Bergman (@JABergman) February 18, 2026
The #Cardinals are expected to retain Matt Feeney as a member of their defensive staff under new head coach Mike LaFleur, sources tell @CBSSports.
Was Arizona’s outside linebackers coach last season. Was previously with the Raiders and a college defensive coordinator at Akron. pic.twitter.com/I3TG9bqxRt
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 18, 2026
The #AZCardinals are hiring former University of Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski as their new defensive line coach, source said. A decorated college coach heads to the NFL. pic.twitter.com/eNRUW8X27J
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 18, 2026
The #Cardinals are expected to hire Tiffin University head coach Brett Ekkens as a member of their staff, a source tells @CBSSports.
Led Tiffin to a 15-8 record the last two years. Before Tiffin, was an offensive coordinator at Saginaw Valley and an o-line coach at Akron. pic.twitter.com/AmZWhiPl2s
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 18, 2026
The #Cardinals are expected to hire #Colts defensive quality control coach Brent Jackson in an assistant defensive backs coach type capacity, sources tell @CBSSports.
Worked for Indy the last four years. Before Indy, worked with DBs at the college level at Oregon and Auburn. pic.twitter.com/HhYxOAkzkZ
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 19, 2026
An update on the Seahawks' coaching moves: My understanding is that Kirk Olivadotti will remain on Mike Macdonald's staff in a different role. He's coached inside linebackers the past two seasons. Macdonald recently hired former Ravens DC Zachary Orr for that job.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) February 18, 2026
