Aaron Rodgers a free agent for first time as Jets release QB - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — For the first time in a career that will likely land him in the Hall of Fame, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a free agent.

It became official at 4 p.m. Wednesday, the start of the league year, when Rodgers was released by the New York Jets in a long-anticipated move. The Jets do not plan to announce the procedural move, according to a source, but it's expected to appear on the NFL's evening transaction wire. The team basically declared its intentions last month.

Rodgers is now permitted to sign with any team, with the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers showing the most interest in the four-time MVP.

Both teams are quarterback needy. Both the Steelers and Giants have only one quarterback under contract — Skylar Thompson and Tommy DeVito, respectively. Rodgers has been in talks with both teams. The Minnesota Vikings also can't be ruled out as an outside possibility.

While the Steelers and Giants wait on Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh's starting quarterback last season, is scheduled to fly Wednesday night to visit with the Cleveland Browns, before being scheduled to travel to New York on Thursday to visit with the Giants on Friday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Rodgers' release from the Jets was a mere formality. On Feb. 13, the team announced its intention to release Rodgers, which allowed him to start speaking with other teams. Rodgers, 41, hasn't publicly commented since the Jets made their decision to move on after two seasons.

By carrying him on the roster until the start of the league year, the Jets can now designate him a post-June 1 cut, which allows them to spread his $49 million cap hit over two seasons — $14 million this year, $35 million in 2026.

For now, they must carry his