Could Aaron Rodgers really become a factor in Seattle’s search to replace Geno Smith at quarterback?
From the moment Smith was traded to the Raiders on Friday afternoon Rodgers’ name had been mentioned as a possible successor in Seattle, due in part to his connection with Seahawks general manager John Schneider.
But a report Sunday afternoon took it to another level. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Seahawks “are expected to talk with Aaron Rodgers about their QB vacancy.’’
Russini’s report dropped shortly after another from Russini that stated that Seattle’s top choice still appears to be Sam Darnold, who played last season with the Minnesota Vikings.
Russini reported that “many around the league believe Darnold will wind up in Seattle.’’
But that statement came in a report stating that the Pittsburgh Steelers are also “expected to make an offer’’ to Darnold.
The Steelers’ reported interest in Darnold came before it was learned that Pittsburgh had acquired receiver DK Metcalf from Seattle.
Could Pittsburgh’s interest in trying to land Darnold be even more pronounced now that the team has Metcalf?
Maybe. Or maybe not.
Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network reported Sunday night that Justin Fields, who opened last season as Pittsburgh’s starter, remains “priority A” for the Steelers but that Darnold and Russell Wilson, who took over for Fields later in the year, are still possible.
No team can make an offer to Darnold — at least officially — until the free agent negotiating period begins at 9 a.m. Monday.
Rodgers, since he was cut by the New York Jets last month, is free to talk to teams at any time.
The report that the Seahawks may talk to Rodgers could just be the team doing its due diligence and preparing for backup plans in case things fall through with Darnold.
An answer on Darnold could come within minutes of the opening of the negotiating period Monday morning.
But as noted, there is a connection between Schneider and Rodgers that undoubtedly is playing a role in any Seattle interest in the future Hall of Fame QB.
Schneider held the title of personnel assistant to the general manager in Green Bay from 2002-07 and was then promoted to director of football operations in 2008 before coming to Seattle in January 2010.
That tenure coincided with Green Bay drafting Rodgers in 2005 and then Rodgers becoming the team’s starting quarterback in 2008.
Rodgers spent the last two years with the New York Jets and turned 41 on Dec. 2. He was released on Feb. 13 following the hiring of Aaron Glenn as the new head coach.
Rodgers played all 17 games for the Jets in 2024, throwing for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
That included going 21 of 39 for 185 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in a 26-21 loss to Seattle at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1.
Darnold became a pending free agent last week when the Vikings did not place the franchise tag on him.
It has been reported consistently over the last few days that he is unlikely to return to Minnesota, which appears set to turn the QB job over to J.J. McCarthy for the long term while possibly re-signing Daniel Jones as his backup.
That led many to conclude that the Seahawks could have a clear path to Darnold, though it won’t come cheaply — speculation has generally been that Darnold is likely hoping for a three-year contract in the $115 million to $125 million overall range.
But the Steelers appear to be exploring all options with both of their 2024 quarterbacks — Wilson and Fields — set to become free agents this week.
Seattle could also have interest in Fields, according to sources. But Wilson is not regarded as a possible consideration to return to the Seahawks.
A report from ESPN Sunday afternoon regarding Fields stated that he has “discussed a reunion with the Steelers’’ and both sides are open to it but that Fields “wants to test the market to truly see how teams view him and make an informed decision’’ and that the Jets have shown interest in him.
There has been speculation that Wilson could end up with the Giants if he does not stay in Pittsburgh.
Indicating the uncertainty surrounding what are the top four free-agent quarterbacks, the Giants have also been stated as having interest in Rodgers.
However, Seattle had been thought from the start potentially interested in each of Darnold, Rodgers and Fields depending on how things unfold.
Exactly what Rodgers’ value is at this point of his career is hard to judge. But CBSSports.com this week projected that he could still command a one-year deal worth $25 million to $30 million.
No matter which veteran Seattle lands at QB, the Seahawks are expected to also pursue quarterbacks in the draft.
And that will be easier to do now that Seattle has five picks in the first three rounds, all in the first 92, after the trades of Smith and Metcalf — 18, 50, 52, 82 and 92.
Seattle also should have more than $60 million or so in cap space. The Seahawks were listed with more than $68 million by OvertheCap.com on Sunday night, but that did not account for the contract of linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $33 million earlier in the day.
