Some major quarterback news came up in the NFL over the last week, and in no surprise, it does not include any new information about where Aaron Rodgers intends to play football this season.
The news, however, could impact Rodgers' decision.
Rodgers has been tied to rumors about joining the Pittsburgh Steelesr in free agency, as last year's quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields signed elsewhere. That still remains an option, but now another team may put their name in the hat following an announcement from their starter.
Amid rehabbing a serious shoulder injury, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has announced his retirement, freeing up a starting QB spot in the Big Easy.
The Saints drafted second-rounder Tyler Shough to join a unit including Spender Rattler and Jake Haener, but in light of the Rodgers free agency saga, New Orleans could be the four-time MVP's next stop, at least according to a former teammate of his.
James Jones, a former pass-catcher of Rodgers' with the Green Bay Packers, says this new development is worth monitoring and could lead to a new idea about Rodgers' future.
“The call should have been made when Derek Carr said, ‘Hey, man, I’m not feeling this shoulder and it’s time for me to be with my wife and kids,” Jones said.
“They should have been calling Aaron Rodgers. If Aaron Rodgers walked into the New Orleans building right now, he’s the best quarterback in the division and gives you a chance to win. They absolutely should make the call to Aaron Rodgers and ask, ‘What’s your plan?’ If you come over here, you’re in the dome. The division is weak, and you have a chance."
While New Orleans wouldn't be destined for success with just Rodgers signing, the prospect of playing in the NFC South could be more appealing if the 41 year old wants to maximize his chances at a playoff berth. He would have to compete with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are on a four-year streak of winning the division under Baker Mayfield.
While the idea of signing Rodgers makes sense for New Orleans, the Steelers can rest easy in the fact that it would be very hard for the Saints to pull off financially.
New Orleans has just $22.8 million in cap space and nearly double that amount in dead money this offseason. Even at his age, a player of Rodgers' caliber will command a salary that could be too rich for the rebuilding Saints.
For the moment, the Steelers remain the favorite to land Rodgers once and for all, but it is worth entertaining the idea of him joining Chris Olave and the Saints now that there is another team who may be interested in finding a new starting quarterback.
