NFL Free Agency 2025: Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson Contract Decisions Loom Amid Buzz

The 2025 edition of NFL free agency officially began at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. However, there was an intense flood of activity during the legal-contact window, meaning that by the time Thursday arrived, free agency was firmly in its second wave.

Most of the signings we'll see from here on out will be of the bargain variety, though a few big-name players are still available. None is bigger than quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was released by the New York Jets on Wednesday.

Rodgers appears to be the top QB target for at least two teams, and his first foray into the open market could impact other players—including Russell Wilson. His looming largely overshadowed the rest of Thursday's early activity. However, his future isn't the only storyline worth watching as free agency continues to move forward.

Rodgers Continues to Mull Future, as Russell Wilson Begins Visits

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Russell Wilson

Even before Rodgers was officially released on Wednesday, he appeared to be the top target for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants.

"I don't know which way Aaron Rodgers is leaning right now," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport told The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday.

However, those two franchises may not be Rodgers' only options. According to Dianna Russini and Mike Silver of The Athletic, the Minnesota Vikings are "weighing the possibility" of signing Rodgers, and the quarterback is "intrigued" by the idea of playing in Minnesota.

The Vikings are expected to roll with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy in 2025, but he missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury. Having a veteran bridge quarterback for the second straight season—Sam Darnold agreed to join the Seattle Seahawks on Monday—would be far from the worst idea.

Wilson could be an option for both Pittsburgh and the New York if Rodgers doesn't pick either franchise. Wilson started most of the season for the Steelers in 2024, and he's a potential backup plan for Pittsburgh:

The Giants are set to meet with Wilson on Friday, following a Thursday meeting with the Cleveland Browns.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Wilson left Cleveland without agreeing to a deal:

Cleveland already traded for former Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett this week, but they'd undoubtedly prefer having another veteran in the QB room. Both the Browns and the Giants could look to add a quarterback early in April's draft.

Cleveland and New York currently own the second and third overall picks, respectively.

While Rodgers and Wilson headline the remaining quarterback market, other veterans are still available. The list includes former Browns starters Jameis Winston and Joe Flacco, along with Drew Lock, who started five games for the Giants last season.

Mason Rudolph, Raheem Mostert Headline Thursday's Bargain Signings

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QB Mason Rudolph

As the Steelers await a decision from Rodgers and/or Wilson, it was important for them to find a Plan B at quarterback—or, in their case, a Plan C.

Pittsburgh made an offer to Justin Fields at the onset of free agency, but last year's six-game starter took a better offer and bolted for the New York Jets.

On Thursday, the Steelers grabbed some quarterback insurance by signing Mason Rudolph to a two-year, $8 million contract, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.

Rudolph made five starts for the Tennessee Titans in 2024 but appeared in 21 games across four seasons for the Steelers before departing last offseason. He went 8-4-1 as a starter in Pittsburgh and should be a serviceable bridge for the franchises, if needed, over the next year or two.

Pittsburgh wasn't the only team that addressed a need on Thursday. The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a one-year, $2.1 million deal with running back Raheem Mostert, according to NFL Media's Cameron Wolfe.

The Raiders ranked dead-last in rushing last season and are widely expected to be more run-oriented under new head coach Pete Carroll. Las Vegas will likely address its backfield in next month's draft, but Mostert adds an intriguing piece to the puzzle.

Though the 32-year-old logged only 85 carries last season, he tallied 1,187 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns the previous season.

The Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, added some pass-rushing help by signing Josh Uche to a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. While Uche hasn't made a major impact over the last couple of seasons, he logged 11.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits in 2022.

The Eagles needed to reload their defensive front after losing Josh Sweat and Milton Williams during the legal-contact period.

Other players signed on Thursday include linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), cornerback Isaac Yiadom (New Orleans Saints) and linebacker K.J. Britt (Miami Dolphins).

Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport provided grades for all of Thursday's major moves, which can be found here.

Big Names Are Still Available, Including WR Cooper Kupp

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WR Cooper Kupp

Rodgers wasn't the only star released on Wednesday. The Los Angeles Rams officially parted with standout receiver Cooper Kupp after failing to find a trade partner.

Kupp instantly became one of the biggest targets in a relatively underwhelming free-agent receiver pool. While he's 31 and has battled injuries in each of the past three seasons, he's still a high-end complementary pass-catcher.

In 12 games last season, Kupp caught 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns.

While Rodgers appears content to take his time making a decision, Kupp would reportedly prefer to find a home sooner than later. According to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, Kupp "doesn’t plan on having a long, drawn-out process."

Schultz also reported that "at least" five teams are interested in signing Kupp.

The receiver pool took a major hit when Tee Higgins received the franchise tag and Chris Godwin re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, several experienced veterans are out there.

Along with Kupp, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, Brandin Cooks and Tyler Lockett remain unsigned.

Good players at other positions also remain available, including pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., offensive tackle Cam Robinson and linebacker E.J. Speed.

Bleacher Report's list of top remaining free agents after Day 3 of free agency can be found here.