The NFL world is buzzing with concern as Aaron Rodgers, one of the league’s most iconic quarterbacks, battles a knee injury that could reshape the playoff landscape for the 2024-2025 season. The 41-year-old former MVP, recently released by the New York Jets, has been a focal point of discussion as teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, and New Orleans Saints vie for his services in free agency. However, reports of an MCL injury in his knee, first revealed in late December 2024, have raised questions about his immediate future and how his absence or limited play could affect teams eyeing a postseason run. Let’s dive into the details of Rodgers’ injury, its potential impact on playoff contenders, and what this means for the NFL moving forward.
The Injury: What We Know So Far
In the final weeks of the 2024 regular season, interim Jets head coach Jeff Ulbrich disclosed that Rodgers was dealing with an MCL issue in his knee. Despite the injury, Rodgers downplayed its severity, stating, “I’ve had a lot worse. I lucked out. I avoided major stretchage of the MCL.” He insisted he would play through the pain for the Jets’ Week 17 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, showing the grit that has defined his 20-year career. According to reports from Yahoo Sports, Rodgers had been managing multiple injuries throughout the season, including hamstring and ankle issues, in addition to the knee problem. Yet, he played in 98.6% of the Jets’ offensive snaps, a testament to his durability despite not being at full strength.
The MCL injury, while not season-ending at the time, has lingered as a concern, especially now that Rodgers is a free agent. Unlike his 2023 Achilles tear, which sidelined him for nearly the entire season, the knee injury appears less severe but still significant enough to impact his performance. As reported by CBSSports.com, Rodgers’ ability to play through pain didn’t translate to on-field success for the Jets, who finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, missing the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year. Now, as Rodgers explores his options, teams considering signing him must weigh the risks of his injury against his proven talent.
Rodgers’ Free Agency: A High-Stakes Decision
Rodgers’ future is one of the NFL’s biggest storylines heading into the 2025 offseason. After being released by the Jets, the four-time MVP has drawn interest from multiple teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been seen as frontrunners, with Rodgers visiting their facility on March 21, 2025, as noted by SI.com. Owner Art Rooney II expressed optimism about the potential signing, but no deal has been finalized. The Minnesota Vikings are also in the mix, with Rodgers reportedly favoring them due to their talented roster, including stars like Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones, a former teammate from Green Bay. The New Orleans Saints have emerged as a dark horse, especially after quarterback Derek Carr’s shoulder injury created an urgent need for a veteran signal-caller, according to The Times of India.
However, Rodgers’ knee injury complicates these discussions. Teams are hesitant to commit to a 41-year-old quarterback coming off an uneven season and battling health concerns. The Athletic reported that NFL talent evaluators see few “great fits” for Rodgers at this stage in his career, citing his age and recent injuries. For the Vikings, signing Rodgers could delay the development of their 2024 first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, who missed his rookie season due to a knee injury of his own. The Steelers, meanwhile, are looking to maintain their streak of non-losing seasons, a record that began in 2004, and Rodgers’ health could be a deciding factor in whether they pursue him or look elsewhere.
Impact on Playoff Chances
Rodgers’ injury and free agency decision could have a ripple effect on the playoff hopes of any team that signs him. Let’s break down how his potential signing—and the uncertainty surrounding his knee—might affect the postseason outlook for the top contenders.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers, a perennial playoff contender, are banking on a veteran quarterback to push them deeper into the postseason. With a strong defense and playmakers like George Pickens and Najee Harris, Pittsburgh is an attractive destination for Rodgers. However, his knee injury raises concerns about his mobility and ability to perform under pressure. Yahoo Sports noted that Rodgers’ decision could impact the Steelers’ chance to break a 21-year-old NFL record for consecutive non-losing seasons. If Rodgers is limited by his injury, Pittsburgh may struggle to compete with elite AFC teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills, potentially derailing their playoff aspirations.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings, who finished the 2024 regular season with a 13-2 record and secured a playoff spot, are weighing whether to start J.J. McCarthy or bring in Rodgers as a one-year solution. Rodgers’ familiarity with players like Aaron Jones and his ability to elevate an offense could make Minnesota a serious Super Bowl contender. However, as SI.com reported, his knee injury and ageeliac issues could limit his effectiveness. If Rodgers isn’t at 100%, the Vikings might opt to stick with McCarthy or a bridge quarterback, which could alter their playoff trajectory. A healthy Rodgers could propel them to the NFC Championship, but an injured one might leave them vulnerable against top-tier opponents.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints’ interest in Rodgers stems from Derek Carr’s shoulder injury, which has left them without a clear starter for 2025. The Times of India reported that Rodgers is seen as a potential savior for a team desperate to stay competitive in the NFC South. However, his knee injury could be a dealbreaker for a team that needs immediate stability. Without a reliable quarterback, the Saints’ playoff chances could plummet, especially in a division with rising teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What’s Next for Rodgers?
Rodgers’ storied career hangs in the balance as he navigates this critical juncture. His 2024 season with the Jets was statistically impressive—3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions—but marred by injuries and a lack of team success. As ESPN.com pointed out, Rodgers’ performance was inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by struggles to sustain drives. His knee injury, combined with his age, has led some to speculate that retirement could be an option if his preferred team, reportedly the Vikings, doesn’t make an offer.
If Rodgers does play in 2025, his experience and leadership could still make him a valuable asset for a playoff-bound team. His ability to read defenses, make clutch throws, and elevate his teammates remains unmatched, even if his mobility is compromised. However, teams will need to carefully assess his medical reports before committing to a contract. The NFL’s quarterback market is thin, with Rodgers and Russell Wilson among the top free agents, according to EssentiallySports. This scarcity could drive up his value, but only if teams believe his knee won’t hold him back.
Fan Reactions and the Bigger Picture
NFL fans are divided on Rodgers’ future. On X, some fans urge the Vikings to let McCarthy sit behind Rodgers for another season, believing the veteran’s mentorship could benefit the young quarterback. Others argue that Rodgers’ injury history and age make him a risky bet for a contending team. The debate reflects the broader uncertainty surrounding Rodgers’ ability to return to his MVP form at this stage in his career.
The NFL is no stranger to aging quarterbacks defying the odds—think Tom Brady’s success well into his 40s. But Rodgers’ recent injuries, including the Achilles tear in 2023 and the ongoing knee issue, raise legitimate concerns. Teams like the Steelers, Vikings, and Saints must balance the allure of a future Hall of Famer with the practical risks of his health and declining mobility.
Conclusion
Aaron Rodgers’ knee injury has added a layer of intrigue to an already dramatic offseason. As one of the NFL’s biggest stars, his next move will shape not only his legacy but also the playoff fortunes of the team he joins. Whether he lands with the Steelers, Vikings, or Saints—or opts for retirement—the ripple effects will be felt across the league. For now, fans and analysts alike are left waiting, hoping that the four-time MVP can overcome his latest setback and deliver one more unforgettable season. Stay tuned to CBSSports.com and Yahoo Sports for the latest updates on Rodgers’ free agency and the NFL playoff race.
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