So, is Aaron Rodgers sticking around after all? The last two seasons haven’t gone anywhere near as planned for Rodgers and the New York Jets. After promising Super Bowls to the franchise and the fan base, New York missed the playoffs both years. Somehow, they performed worse with Rodgers in 2024 than without him in 2023, when he tore his Achilles in Week 1.
But a mediocre season hasn’t ended Rodgers’ aspirations of continuing in the NFL. With several teams in need of a quarterback, the four-time MVP might just find a new home. And as it turns out, a new AFC team may be ready to take a chance on him.
Aaron Rodgers Staying in the AFC With the Pittsburgh Steelers?
A promising start to the season unraveled for the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. Justin Fields and Russell Wilson started strong, but a five-game losing streak derailed the season, leading to a Divisional Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
With head coach Mike Tomlin not having a playoff win since 2016, change was inevitable. And some speculated that it might come in the form of a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac reportedly stated on X that Pittsburgh and Rodgers were in advanced talks and nearing a deal.
“The Steelers are getting close to a deal with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, per multiple sources. They decided to enter discussions with Rodgers and Sam Darnold when it became apparent Justin Fields wanted to test his value in the free agent market.”
However, multiple reports from Pittsburgh insiders contradict this claim, stating that the Steelers have no interest in Rodgers.
The former Green Bay Packer is coming off a down year, throwing for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns. Rodgers’ trademark efficiency declined, with 11 interceptions and a 63% completion rate. Most importantly, his numbers didn’t translate to wins.
The Jets finished 5-12, and Rodgers ranked 21st in PFSN’s QB+ metric. However, the weak FA quarterback market and a shallow 2025 draft class still placed Rodgers 52nd on PFSN’s Top 121 Free Agents.
Ben Rolfe of PFSN wrote, “In 2020, Aaron Rodgers produced the third-best season in our QB+ database, but those days are in the rearview. The former MVP has sandwiched the lost season of 2023 with consecutive QB21 finishes per QB+, and that is about where the expectations should be right now as he enters his age-41 season.”
Rolfe further suggested that Rodgers is no longer capable of elevating a team but instead needs a strong supporting cast.
“He used to be a talent elevator and now likely needs to be elevated by the talent around him.”
In Pittsburgh, Rodgers would have a Hall of Fame-caliber coach in Tomlin and a strong defense. The offensive weapons remain a question, though the addition of DK Metcalf could provide a solid pairing with Garrett Wilson.
With Najee Harris potentially returning, the Steelers could have the pieces for success. Rodgers could steady the ship, allowing Pittsburgh to contend.
“Rodgers had 130 pressured attempts last year, and not a single one of them was intercepted. He profiles as a steadying force for a team that is otherwise set to make a run,” Rolfe added.
So, could this be the move that finally pushes Pittsburgh over the hump since Ben Roethlisberger’s departure? Or is Rodgers’ future somewhere else entirely?