Aaron Rodgers‘ lengthy free agent spell resulted – as expected – in a Steelers agreement. The future Hall of Famer took a one-year pact, and prior to the start of the campaign he made it clear 2025 is likely his final one in the NFL. 
Rodgers gave thought to retirement prior to signing with Pittsburgh, and only a small list of suitors was in place while he was on the market. Things have gone as well as team and player could have hoped so far, but the 41-year-old has given no indication he will continue playing past the current season. In the event that were to change, the Steelers would be open to a 2026 Rodgers setup under center.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required) Pittsburgh “would love” to have Rodgers back in place for next season. The four-time MVP currently leads the NFL in touchdown percentage (8.1%) and he has helped lead the Steelers to a 4-2 record and top spot in the AFC North. Pittsburgh’s offense in general has plenty of room for improvement moving forward, but if Rodgers can remain healthy a case could be made for him to continue his career at least one more season.
Since Ben Roethlisberger‘s retirement, the Steelers have struggled to find a productive replacement over any extended period. Last season’s Russell Wilson–Justin Fields experiment resulted in a playoff berth but both passers moved on during free agency after one Pittsburgh campaign. The Rodgers signing was obviously not seen as a long-term investment but it brought about the potential for an upgrade over what the team has had in previous years in terms of play under center.
It remains to be seen how Rodgers’ debut Steelers season will finish and whether his stance will change on the matter of retirement after it ends. In any case, it was recently learned he will officially conclude his career as a member of the Packers. That comes as little surprise, of course, given Rodgers’ illustrious run during his 18 years in Green Bay.
“Regardless of when I hang it up, that’s the bulk of my career. I’ll retire a Packer and see what happens after that,” Rodgers said (via Russini’s colleague Matt Schneidman). “Damn near everything great in my life is because of my football career, and my football career starts and will end one day with Green Bay. So I’ve got a lot of love for all those memories and a lot of great friends I still carry with me to this day.”
That update comes shortly before the Steelers and Packers will play each other in Week 8. Rodgers taking on the team with which he won a Super Bowl will make for one of the league’s top storylines over the coming days, but his overall playing future will also be worth monitoring.