Kendrick Bourne has publicly invited Aaron Rodgers to join the Arizona Cardinals for the 2026 NFL season. This comes amid speculation about Rodgers potentially leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Key points
Kendrick Bourne invites Aaron Rodgers to join the Cardinals.
Speculation about Rodgers leaving the Steelers is increasing.
Bourne signed a two-year deal with the Cardinals.
Rumors began with a CBS Sports article discussing Rodgers' potential fits.
Kendrick Bourne – a nine-year veteran who signed a two-year deal with the Cardinals in free agency – tagged Rodgers in a social media post imploring the 42-year-old quarterback to come to the desert.
"Come on," Bourne wrote. "We waiting on you."
Bourne's message comes amid rampant speculation about Rodgers being a potential fit for the Cardinals. The conversation seemingly began with a CBS Sports story from April 30 that referenced such a pairing as a possibility if Rodgers decides to both play in 2026 and leave the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There's nothing concrete to suggest Rodgers is considering suiting up for the Cardinals. Most of the rumors surrounding him have linked him to a binary decision between the Steelers and retirement.
Even so, it's easy to understand why buzz about Rodgers and the Cardinals has caught on.
What did Kendrick Bourne say to recruit Aaron Rodgers?
Kendrick Bourne tagged Aaron Rodgers in a social media post, urging him to join the Cardinals by saying, 'Come on, we waiting on you.'
Why is there speculation about Aaron Rodgers joining the Cardinals?
Speculation arose from a CBS Sports story suggesting that Rodgers could be a fit for the Cardinals if he decides to leave the Steelers and play in 2026.
What is Kendrick Bourne's connection to the Arizona Cardinals?
Kendrick Bourne is a nine-year veteran who recently signed a two-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
What are the chances of Aaron Rodgers leaving the Steelers?
While there is speculation about Rodgers leaving the Steelers, no official decision has been made regarding his future for the 2026 season.
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Breaking down Aaron Rodgers to Cardinals rumors, speculation
Arizona has, on paper, one of the NFL's weakest quarterback rooms. Jacoby Brissett is penciled in as the team's starter with Gardner Minshew serving as a veteran backup and third-round rookie Carson Beck waiting in the wings as a potential quarterback of the future for the team.
That room is concerning enough on its own, but its potential is further hamstrung by Brissett's desire for a raise that compensates him at the level of an NFL starter.
Perhaps Brissett won't actually be willing to hold out long-term to get a significant raise. But if he does and the Cardinals balk at his asking price, Arizona could be staring down the possibility of having Minshew and Beck as its top options at the position.
Signing Rodgers would mitigate that possibility. The Cardinals could treat the four-time NFL MVP as a one-year stopgap and eventual bridge to Beck as a starter. The 42-year-old would be well-positioned to get the most out a quality Arizona skill position group that features Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Trey McBride and rookie Jeremiyah Love.
Rodgers' presence would also open the door for Arizona to trade Brissett to another quarterback-needy team – if the team could find a taker.
Of course, the big question is whether Rodgers would be willing to play for the Cardinals. Arizona is coming off a 3-14 season and plays in one of the NFL's toughest divisions, the NFC West, so that combination could scare the veteran off.
That said, Rodgers is also connected to some key Cardinals personnel and that could influence his willingness to play for the team. Most notably, Nathaniel Hackett – about whom Rodgers has spoken glowingly and enjoyed some of his best seasons with the Green Bay Packers – is the Cardinals offensive coordinator.
Could that be enough to get Rodgers to consider heading to the desert? Maybe, but still, there is nothing concrete suggesting Rodgers is considering joining the Cardinals.
So, while players like Bourne may be getting involved in this fun thought exercise, it still seems highly unlikely to happen.
