The quarterback carousel in the NFL is spinning again, and this time, the Denver Broncos might be the ones grabbing a ticket. With Bo Nix's ankle recovery taking an unexpected turn, speculation is heating up that the Broncos could bring in four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers for the 2026 season.
It all started when the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had been waiting on Rodgers' decision about his future, placed a UFA tender on the veteran signal-caller. This move essentially gives the Steelers the right to negotiate exclusively with Rodgers until July 22, and if he signs elsewhere, they'll receive a compensatory draft pick. But the timing of this tender—right after news broke about Nix's surgery—has everyone talking.
The Broncos revealed that Nix underwent a clean-up procedure on his fractured right ankle, an injury he suffered during the divisional round of the playoffs. While NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that such a follow-up is "not rare or unexpected" and that Nix is still expected to be ready for Week 1, the team is reportedly taking a cautious approach. "Don't be surprised if the team takes it very easy with him this spring," Rapoport said.
That caution has fueled rumors that Denver might be looking for insurance. Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan reported, "Bo Nix injury and recovery is worse than originally feared. Now the Steelers are worried Aaron Rodgers might weigh an offer from the Broncos." Indeed, the buzz on social media has been electric, with one fan declaring, "Denver has to go sign Aaron Rodgers," and another stating, "Aaron Rodgers to the Broncos is currently VERY much in play."
This isn't the first time Rodgers has been linked to the Mile High City. Earlier this month, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that the Broncos were considering bringing Rodgers in for a visit. "The motivation comes from the possibility that current starter Bo Nix won't be fully and completely back to 100 percent when Week 1 rolls around," Florio said. Now, with Nix undergoing an additional procedure, those whispers have turned into a roar.
Rodgers proved last season that he still has plenty left in the tank, completing 66.5% of his passes for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. The idea of him running Sean Payton's offense is tantalizing for Broncos fans, especially given the team's playoff aspirations. But the Steelers aren't letting him go without a fight. Their tender ensures they either keep Rodgers or get something in return, as detailed in our piece on Steelers Send League-Wide Message: Aaron Rodgers Is Staying Put.
For Broncos fans, the uncertainty surrounding Nix's health is nerve-wracking. Our article Broncos Fans on Edge: Will Bo Nix Be Ready for 2026 After Second Ankle Surgery? dives deeper into what this means for the team's future. Meanwhile, some Steelers fans are already calling for Rodgers to move on, as seen in our coverage Steelers Fans Chant 'Retire, Aaron!' After Drew Allar Pick.
As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on Rodgers and the Broncos. Will he don a Broncos jersey and bring his Hall of Fame talents to Denver? Or will he stay in Pittsburgh and prove the doubters wrong? One thing's for sure: this saga is far from over.
