NFL Free Agent Aaron Rodgers Drawing Interest from Broncos as Veteran QB Weighs Future

The 42-year-old quarterback has not ruled out a return in 2026, but the Steelers are waiting to see what comes next.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:29am

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Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last offseason. At 42 years old, he has not ruled out a 2026 return, but the team is waiting to see what comes next. The Denver Broncos are now reportedly considering adding Rodgers to their roster, as head coach Sean Payton looks to push the team past the AFC Championship and into NFL history books.

Why it matters

Rodgers' potential move to the Broncos would shake up the quarterback landscape in the AFC, as the veteran signal-caller could provide a significant upgrade over the Broncos' current options led by Bo Nix. Payton's interest in Rodgers also highlights the coach's desire to cement his legacy by winning a Super Bowl with a second franchise.

The details

Rodgers started 16 games for the Steelers last season, throwing 24 touchdowns. However, Pittsburgh ultimately could not break its playoff winless streak, losing to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round. With the Steelers' quarterback room set to return Will Howard and Mason Rudolph in 2026, Rodgers' future in Pittsburgh remains uncertain. The Broncos, led by Payton, are now reportedly considering adding the veteran QB to their roster as they look to take the next step in the AFC.

  • Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last offseason.
  • The NFL's new league year kicked off last week, and the draft is just weeks away.
  • Nix suffered an ankle injury in the AFC divisional playoff win over the Buffalo Bills, and a timetable for his recovery remains unclear.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A four-time NFL MVP who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last offseason. At 42 years old, he has not ruled out a return in 2026.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos, who is reportedly considering adding Rodgers to his roster as he looks to push the team past the AFC Championship and into NFL history books.

Bo Nix

The Broncos' quarterback over the past two seasons, who suffered an ankle injury in the AFC divisional playoff win over the Buffalo Bills.

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What’s next

Rodgers has not made an official visit to the Broncos this offseason as of Wednesday. The Broncos are waiting to see if Nix will be cleared by training camp, but bringing in a veteran quarterback like Rodgers would give them more options at the position.

The takeaway

Rodgers' potential move to the Broncos would be a high-profile quarterback transaction that could significantly impact the AFC landscape. The veteran's decision will be closely watched as he weighs his future, with the Broncos emerging as a potential landing spot as they look to take the next step under coach Sean Payton.