Rodgers' Last Dance: Where the Top Unsigned Stars Land
Aaron Rodgers is still out there. Let that sink in. The four-time MVP, who threw for 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns in his last full season with the Packers in 2022, remains the biggest name on the free-agent board. He's 40 now, coming off that Achilles tear just four snaps into his Jets debut last September. Everyone knows the talent, but the health and the commitment for a full 17-game grind are the real questions.
The Quarterback Conundrum
The Jets are clearly moving on, having drafted Jordan Travis and with Tyrod Taylor already signed. So where does Rodgers go? You hear whispers about the Raiders, a team that finished 8-9 last year with Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew under center. Imagine Rodgers slinging it to Davante Adams again. That connection produced 1,553 receiving yards for Adams in 2021. It’s a compelling thought. Another dark horse? The Steelers. Kenny Pickett is gone, Russell Wilson is a stopgap, and Justin Fields is still unproven. Pittsburgh's defense is stout, giving up just 19.1 points per game in 2023. Rodgers could make them instant contenders in the AFC North. My gut says he lands in Vegas, reuniting with Adams for one last shot.
Playmakers on the Market
Beyond Rodgers, the talent pool thins out fast, but there are still some impact players. Deebo Samuel, the dynamic 49ers receiver, is a fascinating case. He’s technically under contract for 2024 with a $28.6 million cap hit, but the trade rumors have been swirling for months. Samuel had 1,117 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021, earning All-Pro honors. Last year, he still managed 892 receiving yards and 7 TDs despite missing two games.
The New England Patriots, desperate for offensive firepower after scoring a league-low 13.9 points per game last season, would be a perfect fit for Samuel. They have the cap space and the need. The Carolina Panthers, who just drafted Xavier Legette, could also use a veteran presence to help Bryce Young develop. Young struggled mightily in 2023, throwing for only 2,877 yards and 11 touchdowns. Adding a proven playmaker like Samuel could transform that offense overnight. Here's the thing: Samuel is a game-wrecker when healthy, but his physical style makes durability a concern. I think the 49ers ultimately move him to an AFC team, and the Patriots make the most sense.
Another name to watch is Calais Campbell. The veteran defensive end is 37, but he’s still productive. He notched 6.5 sacks for the Falcons last year, his highest total since 2019. He's a locker room presence and can still get to the quarterback. A team like the Baltimore Ravens, who finished 13-4 last year but lost some key defensive pieces, could use his experience and pass-rushing ability on a one-year deal.
The Sleeper Picks
Don't sleep on a few other guys. Dalton Schultz, the tight end who caught 59 passes for 635 yards and 5 touchdowns for the Texans last year, is technically a free agent again. Houston used the franchise tag on him in 2023. If he doesn't re-sign, a team like the Chargers, who lost Gerald Everett, could use a reliable target for Justin Herbert. Herbert threw for 3,134 yards in 13 games last season.
Then there’s Stephon Gilmore. The former Defensive Player of the Year is 33, but he still played at a high level for the Cowboys in 2023, recording 13 pass deflections and 2 interceptions. A team looking for a veteran corner to shore up their secondary, perhaps the Lions who struggled against the pass at times last year, giving up 247.4 yards per game through the air, could come calling.
My bold prediction? Rodgers signs a one-year, $30 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings by early July, shocking everyone and setting up two must-watch games against the Packers.