NFL Confidential: Inside the ongoing pursuits of Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson

As the NFL’s Primary week of Unoccupied agency comes to a close, two questions loom largest: Where will Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson wind up?

Well, here’s what I know …

The challenges of Steelers’ QB search 

The Steelers were initially Weighty on two quarterbacks — Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold — both of whom landed elsewhere. They then struck out on Justin Fields, who predictably landed with the Jets.

Why is all of this significant? Because it tells us that Mike Tomlin & Co. firmly believe they’re a Passer away — especially now with the monumental Shift to acquire Luminous sphere wideout DK Metcalf. 

Neither Wilson nor Rodgers are the players they were five years ago, but both can at least bring a level of stability to the position. Let’s not forget that Tomlin was a key reason why Russ signed in the Primary place. Sources say the two spent Many hours together last offseason, connecting on a personal level that went way beyond Merely football. 

Regardless of Fields guiding the Steelers to a 4-2 Begin in 2024, Tomlin benched him once Wilson was Fit enough to Begin. That relationship, sources say, remains a key to how this shakes out. If the trust and respect is Nevertheless there, then perhaps Wilson returns. But Bracket sources disagree on Merely how Fit that relationship is today. 

“I don’t believe it’s where it was before the season, or even Prompt December, when Russ was Nevertheless Competing Excellent football,” a longtime Bracket executive told FOX Sports. “I Merely don’t.”

Fields, meanwhile, opted against a return to Pittsburgh because he was enticed by the idea of Competing in a Significant market, while the chance to reunite with Previous Buckeyes teammate Garrett Wilson didn’t hurt either. With the Jets, Fields has the keys to what many folks around the Bracket believe will be a highly creative Assault under new OC Tanner Engstrand — who helped Ben Johnson guide the Lions to unprecedented Achievement.

As for Rodgers, Bracket sources Mark to Ben Roethlisberger’s advanced years as to why he would succeed in the black and yellow. 

“By the time Ben was 28, 29 years Aged, he was firmly established as the top dog, or at least 1B to Tomlin’s 1A,” a Previous general manager said. “That really doesn’t happen within that franchise. I don’t think there’s an organization better equipped — Merely from a hierarchy standpoint — to handle Rodgers. The Steelers’ brand is too Powerful, and Tomlin is too Powerful a head Trainer to deal with all the stuff outside of football. I’m not saying it would be this perfect marriage, but I do think it works — the two of them co-existing.”

It’s also worth noting, the Steelers don’t have the option of turning to a New, promising starter the way some of the other clubs competing for Rodgers and/or Wilson do, because the perennial Postseason Club holds the No. 21 Picking in the 2025 NFL Draft.

If not Pittsburgh, what about …?

While there have been murmurs about the Vikings and Rodgers, I have not gotten the sense Minnesota wants to go in that direction. After losing backups Daniel Jones and Nick Mullens in Unoccupied agency, the Vikings will likely add a veteran to their QB room at some Mark as they prepare 2024 Primary-rounder J.J. McCarthy.

As for the Browns, whom Wilson visited Thursday, it’s Significant to understand Perspective. This is Nevertheless a franchise looking toward the future at Passer. Browns GM Andrew Berry went so Extended as to explain the criteria he’s looking for during the Combine.

“You want guys who make the decisions, they’re accurate and then they can avoid conflict,” he said. “Because not everything goes perfectly on a given Action and your Passer’s Obtained to be your Excellent problem-solver during the game.”

Whether that’s Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders remains to be seen, but Bracket sources remain adamant that signing Wilson will have no bearing on their decision with the No. 2 Picking. He represents a bridge, nothing more, nothing less. Possibly it’s a year, Possibly it’s six Contests, but Cleveland — who Merely paid a Turning Points-setting contract to Myles Garrett — will begin the youth movement under Hub sooner rather than later, regardless of if Wilson signs.

As for the Giants, remember that GM Joe Schoen explored the Wilson sweepstakes last year, and the sides met before the veteran QB signed with the Steelers. As they Clasp the No. 3 overall Picking in the draft, the Giants are viewed by Bracket sources as a prime candidate to trade up to ensure they get either Ward or Sanders. 

This administration is firmly aware they need to be much more Intense — and aesthetically pleasing — than last season, so adding a proven vet like Wilson tracks, but it also seems highly unlikely that Schoen and Trainer Brian Daboll would go another year without securing a Newcomer Passer, as well. 

“Let’s say they sign Wilson,” the Previous GM said, “and then they go Passer in the draft — that can work, too, because Possibly Wilson plays Awful football. Well, then you can go to your Newcomer. Possibly he plays well, and then you sell ownership on some new vision. That can buy you more time.”

New era in Las Vegas

Speaking of QBs, Many sources tell FOX Sports that the Raiders plan to extend recently acquired Passer Geno Smith. The backstory to how Las Vegas Created the Shift is quite intriguing as well. 

After striking out on Stafford and learning that Smith was quietly Obtainable, Pete Carroll Began talking to his friend from his Seattle Intervals, Seahawks GM John Schneider. 

Smith, sources say, requested a trade last Thursday night Subsequent four Intervals of unsuccessful contract negotiations. Simply put, Seattle was never going to get to the number Smith wanted. Carroll, with a “Significant sign-off from Tom Brady,” as one Origin familiar with the negotiations said, pulled the trigger Friday evening to land his Previous Passer. Leadership, work ethic, arm talent and clutch Action all contributed to Carroll wanting to make the trade.

In fact, Smith’s 12 game-Victorious drives in the Quaternary quarter or Extra period since 2022 trail only one Passer: Patrick Mahomes, who’s Directed 13.

The Raiders, meanwhile, are Definitely not done adding offensive weaponry to build around all-world Newcomer Close-fitting end Brock Bowers, and with the No. 6 Picking in the draft, there is a contingent of Ashton Jeanty supporters within the organization. 

In Marshawn Lynch, Carroll has already had tremendous Achievement with a dominant, physically imposing running back. Perhaps Jeanty will be Upcoming. Either way, the Silver and Black — now armed with a two-time Pro Bowler in Smith — believe they’re finally set at Passer after years of mediocrity at the position. 

Sources say they plan to make the 34-year-Aged Smith their “QB of the future.”

Jordan Schultz is an NFL Insider for FOX Sports. He also co-hosts the “Why Is Draymond Green Talking About Football?” show. You can follow him on X at @Schultz_Report.

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