Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo's Updated NFL Landing Spots After Aaron Rodgers' Steelers Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought back Aaron Rodgers by signing him to a one-year contract on Saturday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

With Rodgers returning to his starting role in Pittsburgh, Russell Wilson and Jimmy Garoppolo are among the top free-agent quarterbacks still available.

While there aren't many teams still searching for a first-string passer at this point in the offseason, Wilson and Garoppolo could serve as depth pieces and potentially see some playing time in a backup role.

Even with Garoppolo reportedly considering retirement, here are three landing spots for both quarterbacks before training camp begins.

New York Jets

AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

While Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has already named Geno Smith as their starter under center for the 2026 season, the team could still pursue a backup option.

New York also selected Clemson passer Cade Klubnik in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL draft, but it may be hesitant to start a rookie if Smith suffers an injury or gets benched.

It's worth noting that the 35-year-old tossed a league-leading 17 interceptions last season.

The Jets have already reportedly met with Wilson and considered him for their No. 2 spot behind Smith after he spent his 2025 campaign as a member of the New York Giants.

If they're looking to add another experienced veteran to their quarterback room, Wilson could sign with the team.

Garoppolo might be an option as well.

Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix wasn't able to play in their loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game due to a fractured right ankle that required surgery.

While Nix is still expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season after undergoing a recent clean-up procedure on his ankle, it would be understandable if Denver takes a cautious approach with the 26-year-old's recovery.

Jarrett Stidham remains the Broncos' backup quarterback after starting in the AFC Championship Game, but he struggled in the defeat against New England.

Wilson's fit in Denver isn't seamless considering his history with head coach Sean Payton, although Garoppolo could serve as a battle-tested reserve with six career playoff starts under his belt.

New England Patriots

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

Expectations are high for the Patriots coming off their Super Bowl appearance.

Even though Drake Maye is New England's unquestioned starter, Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton are the team's only current depth options.

DeVito has just eight career starts and hasn't appeared in a regular-season game since 2024, while the Patriots selected Morton in the seventh round of the 2026 draft.

With New England looking to return to the playoffs and go on another deep run, the team could sign Wilson or Garoppolo to compete for the No. 2 spot on its depth chart next season.

Garoppolo already has experience in the role, serving as Tom Brady's backup from 2014-16.