What next for Aaron Rodgers? Russell Wilson signing with Giants narrows his options

After the New York Jets let Aaron Rodgers go, many felt he might wind up hanging up his cleats. But the superstar quarterback did not hint at doing that just yet, and believes he can play in the right environment. So far, though, those possibilities are drying out one after the other.

Early on, the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants were touted as potential landing spots for AR. There are other QB needy teams, but none of them can be competitive immediately if he signed.

Everyone knows he is not in for the long run, which means their experiment could at the most last two seasons. But teams in win-now mode could use some of that four-time league MVP experience he has. Therefore, some believed the California native could land on a competitive team.

First the Rams retained Matthew Stafford, and ironically, Rodgers’ close friend joined their Super Bowl efforts. Then the Vikings decided that they will not help the former Champion follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Brett Favre.

Earlier today Russell Wilson signed with the New York Giants. That means the 41-year-old will now have to forget about staying in the apartment he just renovated during his stay with the Jets. Moreover, he now only has two options to remain in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers is Aaron Rodgers’ best landing spot

With some of those options dwindling away, the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be Aaron Rodgers’ best landing spot. A few things make the Steelers a viable option. For starters, neither of their two QBs from last season remain.

Therefore, it is not as if Rodgers will be forced to win his starting job. Secondly, the yellow and blacks have a team that is ready to fight to win it all. They may have lost stud running back Najee Harris, but the team is good at picking good players in the draft.

A decent second or third-round pick should be enough to help the offense find some balance. After all, they just brought in DK Metcalf to pair alongside George Pickens. Add in that young stud offensive line and Rodgers should be just fine.

On top of that, throw in a defense that prides in itself and suddenly the team has Super Bowl contender written all over it. All the team needs is a QB who can stay calm and lead them to scoring opportunities across all levels. In Aaron Rodgers, they get that in spades, if he stays healthy.

If only he does not take as much time as he is doing. Team leader Cam Heyward has called out Rodgers for stalling. Even league insiders are annoyed by how long the QB is drawing these negotiations out. They believe he should act quick if the team can bring in more players he likes.

Cleveland Browns can be another option

It is not as if the Pittsburgh Steelers are the only option Aaron Rodgers has to continue playing in the NFL. The Cleveland Browns are a legitimate option. They also happen to be a team that Russell Wilson spoke to before deciding on the Giants.

The Browns have a decent defense along with a very good offensive line. They only need to find another good receiver and a corner, and they could give several teams a run for their money. The only problem for the Browns is that even the four-time MVP knows he has one year at the most.

They have Deshaun Watson waiting in the wings. Only if the Browns convince the former Jets QB that based on his performances, he could get a longer contract, will this make sense? That is even before one factor in that playing in Cleveland, Ohio, is not as lucrative for a superstar quarterback such as himself.

But beggars cannot be choosers, hence Rodgers might have to take a chance. If the Steelers situation does not entice him, and the Cleveland Browns give him an offer he cannot refuse, he could be wearing that all brown helmet next season.

Related: NBA vs NFL average player salary: Which league delivers bigger paychecks?

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