Aaron Rodgers linked with move to AFC team and Super Bowl-winning head coach amid Steelers holdout

Apr 1, 2026 - 17:15

A shock landing spot has emerged for Aaron Rodgers.

The four-time NFL MVP, regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in history, has not yet confirmed if he will return for his 22nd season.

Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on January 4, 2026 — Rodgers is once again keeping the Steelers waiting

Should he stave off retirement for one more year, the assumption has long been that Rodgers would return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played in 2025.

But now, there’s talk of the Denver Broncos possibly bringing in the 42-year-old veteran instead.

Aaron Rodgers linked with shock Broncos move

ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio reports that the motivation comes from the possibility that starter Bo Nix won’t be fully healthy when Week 1 rolls around.

The Broncos star went down with a broken ankle in the Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills back in January, and has been rehabbing in the months since.

Without him, Denver lost the AFC Championship Game a week later against the New England Patriots.

Beyond the question of Nix’s status for the season opener, there is also suggestion that Rodgers could give the Broncos a better shot at the Super Bowl in 2026.

Sean Payton has previous experience lifting the Lombardi Trophy, as does Rodgers.

Denver did good work in 2025, but Florio suggests that the team ‘may be tempted to roll the dice on a possible one-year upgrade’ on Nix.

“If he thinks Rodgers gives them a better chance to win the Super Bowl than Nix, why wouldn’t Payton at least ponder the possibility?” he questioned.

Florio went on to suggest that while it’s still very early, speculation that the veteran could land with the Broncos was ‘not an April Fool’s Day gag.’

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 04: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after defeating the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) — Losing Rodgers would be a massive blow to Pittsburgh as there is little sign of a Plan B

The Steelers have waited on Rodgers for the second-straight offseason, and are banking on his return, but Denver could throw a spanner in the works.

Aaron Rodgers and Broncos have history

While reports of a shock move have come out of the blue, Rodgers and the Broncos actually have history that dates back five years.

In 2021, Denver were said to be front-runners in a potential blockbuster trade for the star.

At that time, Rodgers was playing with the Green Bay Packers, and despite coming off the back of an MVP season, was said to be unhappy.

On the eve of the 2021 NFL Draft, there were claims that the San Francisco 49ers had reached out to explore a potential trade, but no firm offer was made.

Still, that prompted speculation throughout the rest of draft night that a Rodgers trade could happen, and the Broncos emerged as a potential candidate.

Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers reacts after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field on December 19, 2022 — Rodgers could have ended up in Denver back in 2021

The player, of course, remained in Green Bay and won another MVP award the following season.

Five years on, and the stars could align for him to finally arrive in Denver, for what could be the final season of his storied career.

Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.