GLENDALE – As head coach Mike LaFleur and the Arizona Cardinals enter the dog days of the NFL offseason, rumors surrounding the franchise are heating up. With Arizona not snagging Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL draft, many experts and news outlets believe it is still in the need for a quarterback, despite drafting Carson Beck in the third round. The last premier option for the Cardinals to aim for is free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Reporter Jim Rome had LaFleur on his Tuesday show and asked him about the team’s interest in the 10-time Pro Bowler, which he avoided with the swiftness.
Arizona Cardinals new head coach Mike LaFleur at a news conference on Feb. 3, 2026, at Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe.
LaFleur on Rodgers to Cardinals rumors:
Seeing how the franchise signed Gardner Mishew and drafted Beck this offseason, bringing in Rodgers doesn’t seem like a viable option. Arizona has three quarterbacks are on the roster and seem ready to figure out the starter during training camp and preseason. After the 42-year-old didn’t immediately re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite the hiring of former head coach Mike McCarthy, fans were looking for another option for the future Hall of Famer.
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Cardinals did draft Jeremiyah Love third overall in the draft with three running backs on the roster, so signing Rodgers wouldn’t uncharacteristic. However, the four-time All-Pro is looking for a winning situation in his later years, and with the franchise coming off a 3-14 season, that isn’t Arizona.
LaFleur didn’t seem eager to fuel in the rumors of Rodgers heading to the Valley. In 2025, Rodgers did throw for 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions for a 10-6 record. Those numbers are nearly identical to last year Cardinals’ starter Jacoby Brissett, who threw 3,366 passing yards 23 touchdowns and eight interception. The only difference was the 33-year-old was 1-11 as a starter.
Despite some people in the franchise’s front office being in the hot seat if the team underperforms, 2026 isn’t Arizona’s year and looked prime towards rebuilding towards the future, which doesn’t include Rodgers.
Former Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon speaks on time in Arizona
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
