Aaron Rodgers Mulls Joining AFC Rival Raiders to Mentor Top Draft Pick

The veteran quarterback is considering passing up a chance at another Super Bowl to finish his career on his own terms.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:06am

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Aaron Rodgers, the 42-year-old future Hall of Fame quarterback, is weighing his options for the upcoming NFL season. While the Pittsburgh Steelers are the heavy favorites to re-sign Rodgers, there are rumors that he could instead join the Las Vegas Raiders to mentor their top draft pick, Fernando Mendoza. This would allow Rodgers to finish his career on his own terms and potentially one-up his former mentor, Brett Favre, whom Rodgers felt did not properly guide him during his early years in the league.

Why it matters

Rodgers' decision could have major implications for the AFC landscape, as the Steelers and Raiders are both looking to return to contention. Rodgers joining the Raiders would give them a veteran presence to groom their young quarterback, while the Steelers would be left searching for a new signal-caller. This move could also impact Rodgers' legacy, as he looks to cement his place in history by mentoring the next generation of NFL stars.

The details

Reports indicate that Rodgers is seriously considering joining the Raiders, despite the Steelers being the favorites to re-sign him. The Raiders are said to be interested in Rodgers as a mentor for their top draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, who was recognized by scouts during his time at the University of California, Berkeley - the same school where Rodgers made a name for himself. Rodgers is reportedly intrigued by the opportunity to finish his career on his own terms and potentially one-up his former mentor, Brett Favre, whom he felt did not properly guide him during his early years in the league.

  • Rodgers is currently a free agent and is weighing his options for the 2026 NFL season.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April, where the Raiders hold the first overall pick.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old future Hall of Fame quarterback who is considering his options for the upcoming NFL season, including potentially joining the Las Vegas Raiders to mentor their top draft pick.

Fernando Mendoza

The top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, who is expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick. Rodgers is reportedly interested in mentoring Mendoza, who was recognized by scouts during his time at the University of California, Berkeley.

Brett Favre

A former NFL quarterback and Rodgers' mentor during his early years in the league. Rodgers reportedly felt that Favre did not properly guide him, and he is now looking to one-up Favre by mentoring the next generation of NFL stars.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously worked with Rodgers and won a Super Bowl together with the Green Bay Packers.

Las Vegas Raiders

An AFC team that is reportedly interested in signing Rodgers to mentor their top draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, and help set up the future of the franchise.

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What’s next

Rodgers is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming weeks, as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. The Raiders and Steelers will both be closely monitoring his decision, as it could have major implications for their respective franchises.

The takeaway

Aaron Rodgers' potential decision to join the Las Vegas Raiders and mentor their top draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, would be a surprising move that could impact the balance of power in the AFC. While it may mean passing up a chance at another Super Bowl, Rodgers appears to be considering the opportunity to finish his career on his own terms and potentially one-up his former mentor, Brett Favre, in the process.