GLENDALE – The Aaron Rodgers dream for Arizona Cardinals fans might be dead and buried. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport appeared on the Pat McAfee show and shot down the recent rumors between the two sides coming to an agreement. Rapoport stated that he doesn’t see any scenario of Rodgers signing with Arizona, with the most likely outcome is the 10-time Pro Bowler returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks into the tunnel after suffering a crushing 30-6 defeat by the Houston Texans during the NFL Wild Card game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 12, 2026.
Rapoport on Rodgers to Arizona having “no legs”:
The 42-year-old not signing with the Cardinals might be a blessing in disguise. Bringing in a quarterback the age of Rodgers means the rest of the roster is figured out and its just missing a veteran under center. For a team that just went 3-14 last season, Arizona is far away from competing, especially in a competitive NFC West.
General manager Monti Ossenfort seems to know that fact, not utilizing much of the franchise’s cap space this offseason. Ossenfort signed plenty of short-term deals with free agents to fill out the roster, that opens the door for the Cardinals to have over $100 million in cap space next free agency period. Alongside the fact the 2027 quarterback class for the NFL draft is considerably better than this year’s, Arizona could find itself in the top 5 again.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks during a press conference at the Arizona Cardinals facility in Tempe after the first round of the NFL Draft on April 23, 2026. Syndication: Arizona Republic
The outlook is clear, but Ossenfort surviving another 3-14 type season is up in the air. Many believed the 42-year-old was on the way out with former head coach Jonathan Gannon. However, Ossenfort remained and sat alongside owner Michael Bidwill and claimed the team is trying to compete next year. The offseason moves and not pursuing Rodgers doesn’t coincide with those promises.
New Cardinals WR shows support in Aaron Rodgers possibly joining team
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
