Future Hall of Fame QB interested in Giants, New York looking into possibility

The Aaron Rodgers era with the New York Jets is over. When there’s a total regime change in the NFL, meaning a new general manager and a new head coach, that incoming regime typically looks to start over with their own guys. That’s now exactly what’s happened with the Jets. New head coach Aaron Glenn and new general manager Darren Mougey met with Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XLV MVP quarterback, and they informed Rodgers they will be moving on from him, per an NFL on Fox report. On Feb. 13, the team made the move official.

Rodgers is coming off career-worsts in losses (12), passing yards per attempt (6.7) and passer rating (90.5) with the Jets in 2024. His 28 touchdown passes were tied for seventh in the league with 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen, and Rodgers’ 3,897 yards passing ranked eighth. CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones reported on Friday that Rodgers has reached out to teams to check in on their interest in signing him for the 2025 season, including multiple calls to the New York Giants. Where could Rodgers move to next to perhaps conclude his future Hall of Fame career? Here are five possible landing spots.

Potential landing spots
New York Giants
After the Los Angeles Rams and Super Bowl champion quarterback Matthew Stafford were able to agree on a restructured contract, the Giants are now interested in Rodgers, per an ESPN report. This partnership would make sense for both sides. The Giants fan base has called for the jobs of both head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen for the botched handling of the Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones contract decisions and the team’s poor play in light of those decisions.

New York has the third overall pick in a 2025 draft without a “generational” quarterback prospect, so it would behoove the Giants to use that pick for someone like 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who could starred at both wide receiver and cornerback at Colorado, or Penn State All-America edge rusher Abdul Carter, the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Pro Bowl wide receiver Malik Nabers, whose 109 catches as a rookie last season were the most ever in a season in Giants history, plus rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., who totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage (1,123), are two nice weapons for Rodgers. If New York can reinforce their offseason line in the offseason, there could be a real deal here. The Giants could also draft a quarterback in round two or three to develop behind Rodgers and soak in the habits of a future Hall of Famer.

Pittsburgh Steelers
The heat is on longtime Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in terms of public perception like it never has before in Pittsburgh after the team’s latest postseason letdown. The Steelers are on a six-game postseason losing streak with their last win coming in the 2016 AFC divisional round at the Kansas City Chiefs, a run that is tied with the Miami Dolphins for the longest active streak in the league. A glaring part of this losing streak is Tomlin’s side of the ball, the defense, noticeably struggling. Pittsburgh has surrendered at least 28 points in all six games of this playoff losing streak, which is the longest streak in Steelers history. A capable quarterback can help ease the burden on the defense come playoff time.

The Steelers have a decent foundation with a top-10 scoring defense (20.4 points per game allowed in 2024, eighth best in NFL) led by edge rusher T.J. Watt. Pittsburgh was able to go 10-7 and reach the postseason while starting Justin Fields and a less mobile Russell Wilson at quarterback. Some of the Steelers’ woes could be solved simply by acquiring a more capable quarterback. Even though the Jets struggled last season, Rodgers played like a top-10 quarterback in terms of passing yards and passing touchdowns as mentioned above.

Minnesota Vikings
On the surface, it wouldn’t seem like the Vikings would be in the Rodgers sweepstakes. Their offensive ecosystem with 2024 NFL Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell, 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson, former first-round pick Jordan Addison, Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson and Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones lifted Sam Darnold to the best season of his seven-year NFL career.

Darnold is set to be a free agent in March, but Minnesota does have the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft in Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings. However, McCarthy’s situation is unique in that he is the first quarterback taken in the first round in the common draft era (since 1967) to miss his entire rookie season with an injury, per CBS Sports Sports. McCarthy suffered a meniscus injury in the preseason, and he needed a second procedure for his knee in November to aid his recovery.

If the Vikings really want to play it safe with McCarthy’s long-term future, they could sign Rodgers to a one-year deal and wait to give the keys to McCarthy until 2026. Adding Rodgers could be the perfect one-year stopgap for Minnesota. Having played in Packers head coach Matt LaFleur’s offense, who is a descendent of the Shanahan-McVay tree, Rodgers would already walk in the building with a high familiarity with O’Connell’s playbook. Both LaFleur and O’Connell were Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinators under McVay. Rodgers could elevate that attack from what it was with Darnold simply by reducing the turnovers. Darnold’s 12 interceptions last season were tied for the fourth-most in the league last season. Rodgers has the best touchdown-to-interception ratio (503 touchdowns passing touchdowns to 116 interceptions) in NFL history, and he won back-to-back NFL MVPs running LaFleur’s offense in 2020 and 2021.

No, there’s no guarantee he’ll play like an NFL MVP again, but Rodgers could play high-level football in Minnesota. Plus, he’ll have plenty of motivation with the added bonus of facing the Green Bay Packers twice in a season and having the chance to outdo what Packers predecessor Brett Favre did in his stop with the Vikings.

Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans could eschew taking a quarterback first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, or they could trade the pick to accumulate a treasure trove of draft choices to rebuild their roster. Rodgers could be a massive improvement over Will Levis after still showing he can play like a top-10 quarterback in his 40s in 2024. Levis produced the highest percentage of plays (16.3%) with a sack, fumble or interception since former Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (17.8%) in 2009, per CBS Sports Research, this past season.

HIGHEST RATE OF PLAYS WITH SACK, FUMBLE OR INT, LAST 15 YEARS PCT OF PLAYS WITH SACK, FUMBLE OR INT
2009 JaMarcus Russell (OAK)

17.8%

2024 Will Levis (TEN)

16.3%

2014 Josh McCown (TB)

15.5%

2022 Justin Fields (CHI)

15.4%

Rodgers’ presence could help make good on the offseason spending spree the Titans went on a year ago in which they brought in wide receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard, center Lloyd Cushenberry and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. In an AFC South that is one of the softer divisions in the NFL, Rodgers could still thrive.

Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have many resources at their disposal. They have the second-most effective cap space in the NFL ($89.716 million, per OverTheCap.com) and the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, they don’t have a quarterback as well as an easy path to acquire one via the draft thanks to a thin, top-heavy QB class. That’s why they were interested Stafford before he officially returned to the Rams.

Enter Rodgers. Super Bowl-winning head coach Pete Carroll is someone who Rodgers would respect, ditto for part owner Tom Brady. Going to Las Vegas would allow him to play closer to home in California, and he could throw to tight end Brock Bowers, who caught the most passes by a rookie in NFL history with 112 receptions in 2024. A respected regime, a legit No. 1 option in the passing game and no state income taxes while being close to home could lead to the Raiders reeling in Rodgers.

Giants trade up to No. 1 after missing out on Matthew Stafford; defenders dominate top 10

INDIANAPOLIS — We’re only a few weeks removed from the Philadelphia Eagles’ dismantling of the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, but the offseason is already in full swing here at the NFL Scouting Combine.

There are more than 300 prospects going through medical evaluations, team interviews, media sessions, measurements and workouts (although many of the top players have opted out of on-field work). They all have the same purpose: to put their best foot forward in front of NFL teams.

In my first mock of draft SZN, I take a look at how what’s transpired at the combine so far could impact the three-day event that will take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, at the end of April. While quarterbacks are taken with the top-two picks, defensive linemen steal the show, with five going in the top-10 picks. There are also as many tight ends selected and wide receivers (two).

Obviously a lot will change with free agency on the horizon, but here are the names to keep an eye on as we head full speed towards the 2025 NFL Draft.

For more draft coverage, you can hear in-depth analysis twice a week on “With the First Pick” — our year-round NFL Draft podcast with analyst Ryan Wilson. You can find “With the First Pick” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Listen to the latest episode below!

Ranking potential options for Las Vegas with Matthew Stafford staying with Rams

The second quarterback domino of the 2025 offseason has fallen after Matthew Stafford and the Rams decided to continue their partnership. With Stafford no longer an option, the New York Giants are now reportedly interested in acquiring future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is now available after the Jets decided to go in a different direction. With Stafford off the table, the Las Vegas Raiders are now expected to continue in their pursuit of a veteran quarterback.

Rodgers is one of several veteran quarterbacks who are still available with less than two weeks to go before the official start of free agency. Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are also among the veteran quarterbacks who might be available when the legal tampering period begins on March 10. Rest assured that the Raiders are looking at each of these quarterbacks as they continue to explore their options.

Las Vegas currently has two quarterbacks under contract in Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. Desmond Ridder, who started one game for the Raiders in 2024, is a restricted free agent. Minshew went 2-7 as the team’s starter last year while throwing more interceptions (10) than touchdown passes (9). O’Connell threw twice as many touchdowns (8) than picks (4) last year, but he won just two of his seven starts. Ridder appeared in six games and lost his lone start of the 2024 campaign.

Despite their crowded quarterback room, the Raiders and new Las Vegas head coach Pete Carroll and new GM John Spytek appear to be determined to acquire an accomplished veteran. Let’s take a look at the best-available options for the silver and black now that Stafford is off the table.

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Jordan Dajani
2025 NFL free agency: Biggest needs for every AFC team this offseason; how will Patriots, Raiders spend money?

  1. Joe Flacco
    Joe Flacco edged out Marcus Mariota because of his experience and steady play even at this late stage of his career. While he went just 2-4 as the Colts’ starter in 2024, Flacco’s numbers were pretty good. The former Super Bowl MVP had several impressive showings last season that included his 359-yard, three-touchdown performance in a win over the Jaguars that also saw him complete 75% of his passes.

Now 40, Flacco is obviously not a long-term solution. But he would provide the Raiders with another capable option alongside O’Connell and Minshew.

  1. Sam Darnold
    Darnold enjoyed a career rebirth with the Vikings last year, throwing 35 touchdowns and helping Minnesota compile a 14-3 record. Unfortunately for Darnold, the 2024 season did not end on a high note. He struggled in the Vikings’ final two games that included the team’s season-ending loss to the Rams in the NFC wild-card round.

The end of the 2024 season showed that Darnold still has some room to grow as far as being a top-tier NFL quarterback. Similar to Flacco, Darnold if nothing else would provide another viable option for the Raiders.

  1. Aaron Rodgers
    Rodgers would possibly be higher if the Giants didn’t appear to have the inside track on landing the four-time league MVP. There’s also the Davante Adams factor, as Rodgers reportedly wants whichever team he signs with to also sign his longtime teammate. Given that the Raiders traded Adams away last fall, there’s a slim chance that either party is interested in a reunion.

Like Flacco, Rodgers is over 40 and is not a long-term solution, but he could possibly provide some stability in the short term. While his best days are likely behind him, Rodgers is highly motivated to end his career on a good note after what transpired with the Jets. Rodgers was eighth in the NFL in touchdown passes and passing yards last season despite dealing with injuries and coming off his serious Achilles injury.

  1. Russell Wilson
    A big reason why Wilson is ranked ahead of Rodgers is his history with Carroll dating to their years together in Seattle. The duo has enjoyed a great deal of success together that includes helping the Seahawks win their first Super Bowl at the end of the 2013 season.

Wilson’s career has taken an odd turn since he left Seattle, however. Following a tumultuous two years in Denver, Wilson won six of his first seven starts with the Steelers in 2024 that included the second-most prolific passing performance of his career in Week 13. Things went south shortly after that, though, as Wilson and the Steelers ended the season on a five-game losing streak, including a wild-card round exit against the Ravens.

  1. Justin Fields
    Of all the quarterbacks on this list, Fields has the highest upside, and that’s why he’s No. 1. Fields showed flashes of his potential last year while helping lead the Steelers to a 4-2 start. Fields scored 10 total touchdowns over that span and threw just one interception, a major sign of his growth after turnovers hindered his time in Chicago.

While his throwing has improved, Fields is also an elite runner. In 2022, Fields recorded the second-most prolific season by a quarterback in NFL history. Fields ran less last season (a sign of his improved pocket presence) but still managed to get five touchdowns on the ground in just six starts.

The Steelers are currently trying to figure out which quarterback to re-sign between Wilson and Fields. If the Steelers go with Wilson, the Raiders should pounce on the opportunity to sign Fields, whose best football is likely still ahead of him.

2024 NBA picks, Nov. 21 predictions from proven model

We’ve got another exciting Eastern Conference matchup on Thursday’s NBA schedule as the Charlotte Hornets will host the Detroit Pistons. Charlotte is 5-9 overall and 4-3 at home, while Detroit is 7-9 overall and 4-4 on the road. The Hornets barely hold the edge in the all-time series with 65 wins versus 64 losses, including a victory on Nov. 6. Detroit is 8-6-1 against the spread (ATS) in the 2024-25 NBA season, while Charlotte is 7-7 versus the line.

Tipoff is at 7 p.m. ET at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. Detroit is favored by 1.5 points in the latest Pistons vs. Hornets odds, per SportsLine consensus, and the over/under is 221 points. Before entering any Hornets vs. Pistons picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions from the model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 5 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 109-74 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning more than $3,000. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps has seen huge returns.

The model has set its sights on Detroit vs. Charlotte. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for Pistons vs. Hornets:

Hornets vs. Pistons spread: Hornets +1.5
Hornets vs. Pistons over/under: 221 points
Hornets vs. Pistons money line: Hornets: +119, Pistons: -141
Hornets vs. Pistons picks: See picks at SportsLine
Hornets vs. Pistons streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Why the Hornets can cover
The Hornets were just a bucket shy of victory on Tuesday and fell 116-115 to the Nets despite a quality game from Brandon Miller, who went 11 for 17 en route to 29 points plus three steals and two blocks. He was one of six players in double-figures as Miles Bridges chipped in with 21 points, while Tre Mann had 19 points and six assists off the bench.

LaMelo Ball leads the team with 28.4 points, which ranks seventh in the NBA as he’s the conductor of a prolific offense from beyond the arc. Charlotte ranks second in the NBA in both 3-pointers made and attempted, and it also crashes the glass, ranking sixth in offensive boards and in total rebounds. The Hornets have also performed much better versus the spread recently, going 5-2 ATS over their last seven games. See which team to back here.

Why the Pistons can cover
Meanwhile, the Pistons took a 122-112 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Bulls on Monday, despite the performance of Jalen Duren, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 22 rebounds. Cade Cunningham had a double-double of his own with 26 points and 10 assists, while offseason acquisition Malik Beasley had 21 points off the bench.

After ranking 26th in both defensive rating and points allowed last season, Detroit has made great strides on that end of the court as it ranks ninth in both categories this season. It also gets to face a Hornets team with both offensive deficiencies — as no team makes or attempts fewer free throws than Charlotte — as well as a team with multiple injuries. Centers Mark Williams (foot) and Nick Richards (rib) are both out for Charlotte, leaving the team without an active player on its roster taller than 6-foot-9. See which team to back here.

How to make Hornets vs. Pistons picks
The model has simulated Pistons vs. Hornets 10,000 times and the results are in. We can tell you that the model is leaning Under, and it’s also generated a point-spread pick that is hitting in over 50% of simulations. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.

2024 NBA picks, Nov. 21 predictions from proven model

The Los Angeles Lakers (10-4) will try to extend their six-game winning streak when they host the Orlando Magic (9-7) on Thursday night. Los Angeles has won its last four games by six points or fewer, including a 124-118 win over Utah on Tuesday. Orlando had its six-game winning streak snapped in a 104-93 loss to the Clippers on Wednesday as it prepares to wrap up its three-game road trip. These teams split the season series last year, with both contests taking place within the first two weeks of the campaign.

Tipoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers are favored by 4.5 points in the latest Lakers vs. Magic odds, while the over/under is 216.5 points, per SportsLine consensus. Before entering any Magic vs. Lakers picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions from the model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 5 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 109-74 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning more than $3,000. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps has seen huge returns.

The model has set its sights on Los Angeles vs. Orlando. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for Magic vs. Lakers:

Lakers vs. Magic spread: Lakers -4.5
Lakers vs. Magic over/under: 216.5 points
Lakers vs. Magic money line: Lakers: -199, Magic: +166
Lakers vs. Magic picks: See picks at SportsLine
Lakers vs. Magic streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Why the Lakers can cover
Los Angeles has surged to third place in the Western Conference standings with its current six-game hot streak, trailing only the Warriors and Thunder. The Lakers are coming off a 124-118 win over Utah on Tuesday, powered by a rookie record-tying nine 3-pointers from Dalton Knecht. He hit triples on four consecutive possessions in the third quarter, scoring 21 points in the period.

Knecht has been outstanding since joining the starting lineup four games ago, averaging 24.3 points per game while drilling 21 3-pointers on just 31 attempts. The Lakers are off to a 7-0 start at home and are one of three teams in the NBA without a loss at home. Anthony Davis leads the team with 30.7 points and 11.4 rebounds, while LeBron James is averaging 23.5 points, 9.4 assists and 8.1 rebounds. See which team to pick here.

Why the Magic can cover
Orlando was able to stay in the Los Angeles area after losing to the Clippers on Wednesday, softening the blow of having to play back-to-back road games. The Magic had their six-game winning streak come to an end in that outing, but they have still been impressive even with Paolo Banchero sidelined due to an oblique injury. They held all of their opponents under 100 points during the hot streak, while second-year guard Anthony Black has five double-digit scoring games in his last eight contests.

He had a team-high 17 points on Wednesday and a season-high 20 points in a win over Phoenix on Monday to kickstart the three-game road trip. Black also has 17 assists over his last two games, providing a spark with Banchero sidelined. The Magic have covered the spread in six of their last seven games, while the Lakers have only covered three times in their last 10 games. See which team to pick here.

How to make Lakers vs. Magic picks
The model has simulated Magic vs. Lakers 10,000 times and the results are in. We can tell you that the model is leaning Over, and it’s also generated a point-spread pick that is hitting in almost 70% of simulations. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.

 2024 NBA picks, Nov. 21 predictions from proven model

The Toronto Raptors will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a cross-conference matchup on Thursday’s NBA schedule. Toronto is 3-12 overall and 3-4 at home, while Minnesota is 8-6 overall and 3-4 on the road. The Wolves have won two straight over the Raptors, including a 112-101 victory in late October. The Raptors are 9-6 against the spread (ATS) in the 2024-25 NBA season, while Minnesota is 6-8 versus the line.

Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Minnesota is favored by 8 points in the latest Timberwolves vs. Raptors odds, per SportsLine consensus, and the over/under is 225.5 points. Before entering any Raptors vs. Timberwolves picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions from the model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 5 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 109-74 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning more than $3,000. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps has seen huge returns.

The model has set its sights on Minnesota vs. Toronto. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for Timberwolves vs. Raptors:

Raptors vs. Timberwolves spread: Raptors +8
Raptors vs. Timberwolves over/under: 225.5 points
Raptors vs. Timberwolves money line: Raptors: +267, Timberwolves: -340
Raptors vs. Timberwolves picks: See picks at SportsLine
Raptors vs. Timberwolves streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Why the Raptors can cover
Having struggled with seven defeats in a row, the Raptors finally turned things around against the Pacers on Monday. They walked away with a 130-119 victory over Indiana, led by RJ Barrett, who had 39 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Jakob Poeltl dropped a double-double on 30 points and 15 rebounds, which was his third in a row with at least 30 points.

The Austrian is having a breakout year in his ninth NBA season, averaging career-highs in both points (17.1) and rebounds (11.9). His activity on the glass is a big reason why Toronto leads the NBA in offensive rebound percentage, and those extra possessions could be sources of easy points with Minnesota ranking in the bottom 10 in field goal percentage allowed. Additionally, the Raptors could get back Scottie Barnes (eye) who is questionable after missing the last 11 games, while Minnesota may be without Mike Conley (toe) and Donte DiVincenzo (back), who are each listed as questionable. See which team to pick here.

Why the Timberwolves can cover
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves skirted by the Suns 120-117 on Sunday thanks to a clutch shot from Julius Randle with less than a second left. For the game, Randle posted 35 points plus seven assists, while Anthony Edwards had 24 points plus six assists. The Wolves went 17 for 39 beyond the arc (43.6%), and the 3-point shot has been a strength for the team all year.

Minnesota ranks fifth in both 3-point attempts and 3-point percentage, so it’s combining both a high volume with a high efficiency. The team is even better at defending the 3-point line, as it allows the fewest made 3-pointers per game. The Timberwolves also have an advantage with recent spread success as they are 5-3 ATS over their last eight games, after beginning the year by covering in just one of their first five games. On the other hand, Toronto began the year 6-2 ATS but is just 3-4 versus the line since then. See which team to pick here.

How to make Raptors vs. Timberwolves picks
The model has simulated Timberwolves vs. Raptors 10,000 times and the results are in. We can tell you that the model is leaning Under, and it’s also generated a point-spread pick where one side has all of the value. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.