Cardinals Coach LaFleur Says Team Focused on Current QBs, Not Aaron Rodgers

The NFL Draft has ended, but Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent after spending last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Fans wonder if the 42-year-old four-time NFL MVP will sign elsewhere or retire, since he has not re-upped with Pittsburgh. The Arizona Cardinals lack a confirmed starting quarterback for next season. Head coach Mike LaFleur fielded questions about interest in Rodgers on The Jim Rome Show.

"Honestly, right now, we're focused on the guys that we've got coming in," LaFleur said.

"We've got the unit that we have – Gardner (Minshew), Jacoby (Brissett) and (Kedon) Slovis - and then we drafted Carson Beck in the third round," LaFleur added. "We've got a room we are excited to work with, and that's solely where my focus is."

The Cardinals released Kyler Murray in March after seven seasons, kicking off a search for a new franchise quarterback. Rodgers would not serve as a long-term solution, but he showed last season he can still play. In 16 games with the Steelers, he completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, whom the Cardinals signed in March, posted on X to recruit Rodgers. "(Aaron Rodgers) Come on we waiting on you," the 30-year-old wrote, adding eyes and smiling emojis.

Still, with Minshew, Brissett and Beck available, Arizona might opt for one of the veterans as a bridge or turn to the rookie.

Minshew joined the Cardinals on a one-year, $5.75 million deal after backing up Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs last season.

Brissett signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract with Arizona last season. He started 11 games after Murray's injury, going 1-11 while completing 64.9 percent of his passes for 3,366 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Brissett is skipping voluntary workouts while pushing for a starter's contract extension.

The Cardinals picked Beck in the third round. The 24-year-old spent his final college year at Miami, helping the Hurricanes reach the national title game.

Arizona has quarterback options for next season, but none match Rodgers' accomplishments.