Cardinals WR Kendrick Bourne Tries Recruiting Aaron Rodgers Amidst Steelers Contract Issues

Aaron Rodgers has only a few more weeks to decide on his NFL future after the Steelers placed a rare tender on him.

Cardinals WR Kendrick Bourne Tries Recruiting Aaron Rodgers Amidst Steelers Contract Issues

Kendrick Bourne and Aaron Rodgers (Image via BR Gridiron/NFL on Prime Video/X)

In Short
  • Aaron Rodgers has not yet committed to his 22nd NFL season, leaving the Steelers uncertain about his future.
  • Kendrick Bourne publicly recruited Rodgers to the Cardinals, despite the team's rebuilding status.
  • The Cardinals face a challenging schedule, making a deep playoff run difficult for any quarterback, including Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers has still not committed to returning for what would be his 22nd season in the National Football League. Even though he still has the keys to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ facilities, the franchise is not sure whether he will come back.

They initially gave the 42-year-old considerable time off. After the way the Steelers finished their 2025 season, Rodgers was blamed for ‘choking’ in the Wild Card game.

Many felt that he should retire, and that plays on the mental side, no matter how experienced the player is. Maybe that is why the franchise gave him time until the draft to make up his mind.

Once they realized he was not going to make a decision, they ensured their side was covered when they placed a rare UFA tender on him that will force Aaron Rodgers to commit to them, either by July 22nd or when training camp starts, whichever is later.

In the event the QB decides later than that date, he will not be able to play football this season. If he did decide to return, the Steelers would have exclusive negotiation rights over him.

Come on, we waiting on you.

Kendrick Bourne wrote on X

This open recruitment might be a long shot, considering Mike McCarthy is the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has a good relationship with Aaron Rodgers, who helped him add a Super Bowl to his resume.

But even then, Kendrick Bourne had to take a shot, knowing the Cardinals do not have a designated starter for next season. They have a quality receiving unit, which he feels is enough to draw the QB to the NFC West.

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Cardinals make sense for Aaron Rodgers, claims Mike Florio

It is not a secret that Aaron Rodgers would like to end his NFL career with a deep playoff run. In that aspect alone, many know that the Arizona Cardinals do not check that box.

They are a team on the rebuild with a new system and new leadership. But Mike Florio thinks that the system is perfect for the four-time league MVP.

Nathaniel Hackett, his former offensive coordinator with the Packers and the Jets, has that same role in Arizona now. And Mike LaFleur, brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur (with whom Rodgers won a pair of NFL MVP awards), is the Cardinals’ head coach.

Mike Florio wrote

In his excerpt on NBC Sports, the longtime analyst added that when Mike LaFleur was the offensive coordinator on the Los Angeles Rams, the franchise had aggressively courted Rodgers until Matthew Stafford confirmed his return.

That should be enough indication that the Cardinals have a base that could tempt the signal caller into ending his association with the Steelers after one year.

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Aaron Rodgers’ hopes of ending career with playoff run will be difficult with Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals might have a good system where Aaron Rodgers can thrive. Having familiarity is one of the best ways for a veteran to get the best out of their final few days on the gridiron.

Aaron Rodgers might find it difficult with Cardinals
Aaron Rodgers might find it difficult with Cardinals (Image via BR Gridiron/X)

The Chino, California, native wants to end his career on a high. That may not be a Super Bowl win, but a deep playoff run would help him walk away with his chin up.

With the Cardinals, it might not be impossible, but definitely be difficult to have a good postseason. That is not because of a lack of talent, but because of the teams they play against in the regular season.

They will have to face a 49ers team gunning for the Super Bowl if healthy. Then they will face the Los Angeles Rams, who are still hurt from their loss in the NFC Championship game.

On top of that, the Cardinals will have to face the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. They have to face these three teams twice as conference rivals.

Additionally, they will face all four teams from the NFC East and the AFC West. The only solace in this schedule is when they will face the New York Jets, the New Orleans Saints, and the Detroit Lions. Making the playoffs will be a daunting task even for a prime Aaron Rodgers.

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