The 2025 season brought a surprising twist for the NFL as Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP, joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal. Rodgers, at 42, aimed to finish his storied career on his own terms.
He led the Steelers to an AFC North title and a playoff spot, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions with a 65.7% completion rate. However, their journey ended with a wild-card loss to the Houston Texans, leaving fans yearning for more.
As the offseason unfolds, Rodgers' future with the Steelers has become a hot topic. Initially, there was hope for a 2026 return, especially after the team hired Mike McCarthy, Rodgers' former coach from Green Bay.
But the narrative has shifted. Reports suggest that the chances of Rodgers re-signing are slim.
According to CBS Sports' Aditi Kinkhabwala, those close to Rodgers feel he's more likely to retire than to ink another NFL deal.
This uncertainty places the Steelers in a tricky situation. With free agency and the draft on the horizon, Pittsburgh needs to solidify its quarterback plans as the new league year kicks off on March 11, 2026. If Rodgers decides to hang up his cleats or move on, the Steelers will face the challenge of entering 2026 with a relatively inexperienced quarterback roster.
The offseason buzz has turned skeptical, despite the initial optimism surrounding Rodgers' connection with McCarthy. As the clock ticks, the Steelers must prepare for a future that might not include their veteran quarterback.