In the years since Roethlisberger, the Steelers’ starter for 18 seasons, retired after the 2021 campaign, Pittsburgh cycled through a number of options under center. It was Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. None of them stuck.
Through six games this season, Rodgers has so far outperformed them all. The veteran’s 68.6 completion percentage, 211.7 passing yards per game, 14-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio and 105.0 passer rating are all his best since his 2021 MVP season in Green Bay. Rodgers has developed a good relationship with offseason signing DK Metcalf and tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonna Smith. Most importantly, the signal-caller has Pittsburgh atop the AFC North at 4-2, on pace to win its first division title in five years.
Rodgers, who turns 42 on Dec. 2, signed a one-year contract worth up to $19.5 million with just $10 million guaranteed to join Pittsburgh after being released by the Jets. He ranks No. 19 among quarterbacks in 2025, suggesting an aging QB expected to be in the middle of the pack in his 21st NFL season.
What would it take for Rodgers to return to No. 22? And would he even want to?
In June, Rodgers said he was “pretty sure” the 2025 campaign would be his last. This week before a matchup — not a “revenge game” — against his former team, the QB talked about the imminent end of his career, saying he would like to “quit the Packer.”
Based on Rodgers’ production in his first season, the Steelers would surely have him back in 2026. They don’t have a long-term plan in place at the moment, with perennial backups Rudolph and Skylar Thompson and sixth-round rookie Will Howard waiting in the wings.
For now, Rodgers is enjoying a bounce-back season in Pittsburgh, even if it’s his last.
“This game is about the relationships,” Rodgers said this week. “Three years in college, 21 years in the league and in those 24 years I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends that I’ve made. Most of what’s special in my life is because of the game. And I love to compete. I grew up dreaming of being a quarterback with my team on a drive to the Super Bowl. …
“This game has given me a lot and I love it. It’s an imperfect job and a tough business. But it’s a wonderful job that I’ve had for so long.”