Tag: NFL free agency 2025

  • Chris Long Picks Giants Over Steelers for Aaron Rodgers’ Next Move

    Chris Long Picks Giants Over Steelers for Aaron Rodgers’ Next Move

    As Aaron Rodgers continues to sit back and evaluate his options, the veteran quarterback market remains in limbo. With interest reportedly coming from the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rodgers is also said to be holding out hope for a chance to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. However, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Vikings’ interest in Rodgers appears lukewarm at best. This leaves Rodgers in a tricky spot, with limited choices—and retirement still lingering as a possibility.

    Former two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Long recently shared his thoughts on the matter during an episode of his podcast, Green Light with Chris Long . If he were in Rodgers’ shoes, Long says he’d pick the Giants over the Steelers. Here’s why.

    Why Chris Long Prefers the Giants for Aaron Rodgers

    Long didn’t mince words when discussing the Steelers’ current situation. “No offense to the Steelers,” he said, “but this is not your typical Steelers team.” While Pittsburgh has long been synonymous with a dominant defense, Long noted that this version of the squad doesn’t quite measure up—at least not yet.

    On offense, the picture isn’t much brighter. The departure of running back Najee Harris leaves the Steelers leaning heavily on Jaylen Warren , whose upside remains a question mark. And while the Steelers have been working to improve their offensive line and weapons, Long argued that they lack the excitement factor needed to attract a player like Rodgers.

    “They’ve been trying to build something,” Long admitted, “but it’s not there yet.”

    Why the Giants Make More Sense?

    According to Long, the Giants offer a better deal—starting with their division. Playing in the NFC East means Rodgers gets to play against some of the best teams in the league, including the Super Bowl champs, the Philadelphia Eagles. The NFC East is no pushover but Long pointed out the upside of having a budding star in Malik Nabers as a potential #1 receiver.

    “Malik Nabers is a guy who could really take off if he has the right quarterback throwing him the ball,” Long said. For Rodgers who loves precision passing and chemistry with his receivers, this could be a perfect match.

    The NFC East Challenge

    Long liked the Giants’ upside but let’s not forget the NFC East isn’t easy anymore. The Philadelphia Eagles just won a Super Bowl and the Washington Commanders were last year’s NFC champions. Playing in this division would be tough for Rodgers—but maybe he’d like that.

    Rodgers has always performed under pressure and the chance to prove himself against the best might be worth the risks. Plus playing in New York means playing on one of the biggest stages in sports—a bonus for a player nearing the end of his career.

    What About the Vikings?

    Rodgers wants to join the Vikings but it doesn’t seem like the feeling is mutual. Schefter said so himself. A Vikings snub would leave Rodgers with fewer options and maybe push him to retirement.

    For now he wants to keep playing. But without a path to the Vikings his decision will come down to Giants or Steelers or walk away.

  • Could the Giants Trade Their Defensive Leader? Offseason Plans Take Shape

    Could the Giants Trade Their Defensive Leader? Offseason Plans Take Shape

    The New York Giants may be at a crossroads with one of their defensive players this offseason. According to reports, linebacker Bobby Okereke, who signed a big deal with the team in 2023, could be out after a bad 2024. The Giants front office is reportedly not high on his value going forward and that’s got questions about whether he’ll be back in 2025.

    Why Are the Giants Getting rid of Bobby Okereke?

    According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, there has been whispering in the Giants organization that some of the brass don’t think Okereke is a big part of the 2025 plans.

    “There have been whispers this offseason, from January to the NFL Combine, that some of the Giants brass don’t have high opinion of linebacker and captain Bobby Okereke’s value to the roster for the 2025 season,” Leonard wrote.

    Not sure if this means release, trade or just a conversation about his role but the writing is on the wall for Okereke. 2024 was a step back from previous seasons and that’s got the Giants rethinking their investment in him.

    What Happened to Okereke in 2024?

    Okereke’s 2024 season was a disappointment. After signing a 4 year, $40 million deal with the Giants in 2023, he was supposed to be the defense’s anchor. But his production declined last year and now his long term fit with the team is in question.

    In 29 games over 2 seasons with the Giants, Okereke has 242 total tackles and 17 tackles for loss. But his 2024 wasn’t enough to silence the critics. Whether it’s scheme, injury or just a down year, the Giants are reevaluating his role.

    Financial Impact of Cutting or Trading Okereke

    If the Giants cut Okereke, the cap relief isn’t much. According to Spotrac , he’d save the team $4 million if released and $3.5 million if traded. Those numbers aren’t enough to make them move him purely for cap reasons so any decision would likely be football based.

    What Does This Mean for the Giants Defense?

    Okereke has been a staple in the middle of the Giants defense since he got here. If he leaves the Giants will need to fill the void. Potential options are promoting younger players, signing a free agent or finding a replacement in the draft. But losing a guy like Okereke who has experience and leadership will be felt in the lineup.