Aaron Rodgers, Giants HC Daboll Reportedly Discussed Pairing During Offseason Rumors

There were reportedly some overtures between free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the New York Giants this offseason before the Giants decided to go in a different direction.

According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Rodgers had a one-on-one meeting with Giants head coach Brian Daboll at one point during the offseason to determine if the partnership could be a good fit.

Ultimately, nothing came of the conversation, as the Giants ended up signing veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

Back in March, there were plenty of rumblings out there regarding a potential Rodgers and Giants pairing, as Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported there was "talk" of Rodgers reaching out to the Giants to gauge their interest.

Also, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that the Giants were "shifting their interest" to Rodgers following an unsuccessful attempt to trade for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The Giants were among the worst teams in the league last season with a 3-14 record, but the same was true of the New York Jets, who were quarterbacked by Rodgers.

The Jets went 5-12 in Rodgers' first and only full season as their starting quarterback, leading to changes at head coach and general manager, as well as the release of Rodgers this offseason.

Rodgers is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, having won four NFL MVP Awards, one Super Bowl title and one Super Bowl MVP Award during his time with the Green Bay Packers, but he is now 41 years old and not far removed from tearing his Achilles at the start of the 2024 season.

Still, Rodgers had solid numbers last season, completing 63.0 percent of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

That suggested Rodgers still has something left in the tank, which could have made him a solid stopgap for the Giants and a bridge to a young quarterback such as Jaxson Dart, who the Giants ended up taking 25th overall in the 2025 NFL draft.

Now, Rodgers' only legitimate option if he wants to be a starter next season is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who lost both Wilson and Justin Fields in free agency.

Rodgers and the Steelers have met with each other, and Rodgers said last month that the two sides remained in communication.

Given that the Steelers didn't take a quarterback in the draft until they selected Will Howard in the sixth round, it suggests Pittsburgh is confident in signing Rodgers.

Otherwise, Mason Rudolph will likely start for the Steelers next season, and Rodgers may have to retire due to a lack of other viable options.