With uncertainty surrounding Derek Carr’s future as the New Orleans Saints quarterback due to a lingering shoulder injury, many anticipate the team will draft a new quarterback during the upcoming NFL draft. However, if the Saints decide to explore other options, one notable veteran still available is Aaron Rodgers.
Former Saints punter Thomas Morstead, who spent the last two seasons with Rodgers on the New York Jets, spoke highly of the four-time MVP during an appearance at the Zurich Classic. Despite Rodgers’ time in New York being cut short by a torn Achilles, Morstead remains impressed by both Rodgers’ abilities on the field and his personality off of it.
“He still has it,” Morstead affirmed, recalling how Rodgers performed astonishing feats in practice. He acknowledged that while he doesn’t know how Rodgers would fit into New Orleans’ current coaching dynamic, the quarterback remains a top-tier talent. Morstead described Rodgers as a “misunderstood” individual who has been polarizing due to his off-the-field opinions, particularly his stance on COVID-19 and his exploration of alternative therapies like ayahuasca. Still, Morstead found his conversations with Rodgers intellectually stimulating and appreciated being his teammate.
Rodgers has faced criticism throughout his career, especially for not disclosing his unvaccinated status during the 2020 season and for his public alignment with controversial viewpoints. His return to the Jets after injury in the 2024 season didn’t yield the success many hoped for, as the team finished with a 5-12 record. Nevertheless, Rodgers threw for nearly 4,000 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, showing he can still perform at a high level.
Currently a free agent, Rodgers has been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but no deal has been finalized. In a recent interview, he mentioned having conversations with the Steelers, Giants, and Vikings, though he hasn’t decided whether he will continue playing or retire. Notably, he was not asked about joining the Saints, and there has been no public indication from the team that they are pursuing him. Still, with over $28 million in salary-cap space and Rodgers expressing a willingness to play for $10 million, the financial logistics wouldn’t be an issue.
Morstead, who spent 12 years with the Saints and also played alongside Drew Brees, reflected on what it meant to be teammates with two legendary quarterbacks. Though he avoided direct comparisons, he noted that greatness comes in many forms, and both Rodgers and Brees embodied it in their own unique ways.
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