With Derek Carr retired and the team entering what appears to be a rebuilding phase, pursuing a veteran like Aaron Rodgers who is likely seeking a win-now contender was never a realistic option.
Rodgers is approaching the twilight of his career and wants to compete for another Super Bowl, something the Saints are not currently positioned to offer. Their focus now will likely shift toward developing a young quarterback or exploring bridge options who align with a longer-term rebuild. Meanwhile, the Steelers mentioned as a contrast have a much more stable infrastructure and could remain competitive in the AFC.
This situation signals a clear direction for New Orleans: long-term planning over short-term splash.
That context adds a lot of clarity to the quarterback landscape.
Derek Carr’s decision to retire rather than undergo season-ending surgery marks the end of a solid 11-year career, and it understandably shifts the Saints’ focus to a longer-term rebuild. With no clear internal successor and a roster in flux, the Saints weren’t a logical destination for a veteran like Aaron Rodgers, whose timeline doesn’t align with a team hitting the reset button.
As for Rodgers, his ongoing personal matters appear to be delaying what seems like an inevitable signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ian O’Connor’s insight supports the idea that this delay is more about timing and optics than any serious obstacle. Rodgers has historically been sensitive to media narratives like last year’s Egypt trip backlash so it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s choosing to avoid OTAs and media scrutiny before finalizing anything.
The fact that Pittsburgh remains in regular contact with him strongly suggests confidence on both sides that a deal will get done, possibly in early June once the offseason noise quiets. If so, Rodgers could step into a situation with an elite defense, a strong run game, and a talented young receiving corps an ideal late-career landing spot.