Rodgers, 41, instead hinted at the Pittsburgh Steelers, the long presumed favorite to land him, when he mentioned there was "a team that might play in Chicago this year," referencing the Steelers' road game against the Bears in 2025.

Rodgers reportedly visited the Steelers' facility on March 21, which was "an indication" that a potential deal "could be forthcoming," sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac at the time. The four-time NFL MVP spent the past two seasons with the New York Jets prior to the team's decision to move on from him earlier this month, though he is still signed through 2025.

"Last week we met with Aaron and shared that our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback," said newly hired head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey in a statement released on the Jets' official website. "It was important to have this discussion now to provide clarity and enable each of us the proper time to plan for our respective futures. We want to thank him for the leadership, passion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward."

"I personally want to thank Aaron for his time at the New York Jets," said Chairman Woody Johnson. "His arrival in 2023 was met with unbridled excitement and I will forever be grateful that he chose to join us to continue his Hall of Fame career. From day one, he embodied all that it meant to be a New York Jet, embraced our fans, and immersed himself in our city. That is what I will remember most when I look back at his time here. He will always be welcome, and I wish him only the best in whatever he chooses to do next."

Rodgers was acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers in 2023 and pegged to be the missing piece for a team that hadn't made a postseason appearance since 2010. The 41-year-old suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during his first drive with the Jets in 2023 and experienced one of the worst seasons of his career in 2024, leading the team to a 5-12 record.