Aaron Rodgers believed 2025 would likely be his last season in the NFL.
He may be wrong. After throwing for 3,322 yards and a 24-7 TD-INT ratio while helping the Steelers win the AFC North, the four-time NFL MVP is contemplating his 22nd year in professional football. It may or may not be with the Steelers.
“Free agency starts in a week. … I’ve talked to (Steelers coach) Mike (McCarthy), I’ve talked to (Steelers general manager) Omar (Khan). There’s been no deadline set for me,” Rodgers said during his appearance Wednesday. The Pat McAfee Show. “There’s no contract offer or anything. So there’s nothing for me to argue about. I’m a free agent. Again, I’m enjoying my time with my wife and enjoying this part of the offseason. I think there are conversations that are going to happen. But right now, I’m not… There haven’t been any progressive conversations.”
After two tough seasons in New York, Rodgers seemed exhausted but also unwilling to walk away from football without giving it another go. He engaged in a lengthy courtship with Pittsburgh before eventually signing with the Steelers, cementing a stable position at the position for at least a year. Dressed in black and gold, Rodgers began a campaign that ended with a division title won in Week 18 and a shutout as Rodgers finally showed his age against a relentless Houston Texans defense.
Overall, the season’s performance was good enough to warrant a second season. A stunning development followed, however, when coach Mike Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons at the Steelers’ helm, leading many to wonder if that also meant Rodgers – who repeatedly cited Tomlin as a key reason for his move to Pittsburgh – would also leave the Steelers in 2026.
Pittsburgh responded by hiring Rodgers’ former coach, McCarthy, in a move some viewed as an attempt to retain the 42-year-old signal-caller.
“I love Mike and Mike and I have stayed in touch over the years,” Rodgers explained. “I’ve had conversations with Omar. I think Omar’s enjoyed having me there. I think the guys have had a positive reaction to our time together. But again, there’s been no deadline put on me, there’s been no deal in the air for me, like, ‘Well, we’ll give you until March 8 to make a decision on this deal.’ There’s been nothing in that regard. … I’m interested in how the conversations go, but there hasn’t been there has been no progress when it comes to that.”