Weeks ago, Aaron Rodgers’ future in the NFL looked uncertain as the New York Jets quarterback struggled to produce at his usual level.
However, his late-season improvements have reignited discussions about his potential role with another team – and the Pittsburgh Steelers may be a natural fit.
The Steelers, reeling from a four-game losing streak with Russell Wilson at the helm, face significant offseason decisions.
When Pittsburgh acquired Wilson and Justin Fields before the 2024 season, many expected one of the two to secure a long-term starting role.
With both players on expiring contracts, there’s a real possibility neither will return … That opens the door for Rodgers if he becomes available.
Following a 5-12 season, the Jets are evaluating their future, including Rodgers’ role with the franchise.
Owner Woody Johnson acknowledged the quarterback’s performance was underwhelming in key areas.
“From a numbers standpoint, he did OK, except for the most important number – winning games,” Johnson said of Rodgers’ up-and-down season.
“But that’s going to be up to the coach. The coach will have to decide what the quarterback situation is. That’s going to be a very important job for the General Manager and the coach – what do we want and when do we get it and what’s our timeline. Where does Aaron Rodgers fit into that?”
Rodgers’ season stats include 3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, with a 63% completion rate.
Despite these numbers, his 6.9 average depth of target ranked 36th among qualifying quarterbacks, and his 48.2 QBR placed him 25th.
The four-time MVP will turn 42 in 2025. Despite his age, it’s clear that Rodgers remains one of the best “throwers of the football” in the entire NFL.
This is not a case of the league passing Rodgers by. Despite his tenure in New York (to this point) being a total disaster, anyone with eyes knows that Rodgers is pretty low on the list of who to blame for the Jets’ failures.
Rodgers can still play quarterback at a very high level – especially in the right situation on the right team.
However, he admitted that he doesn’t quite know what the future holds for him as of now.
“We’ll have the conversations in the next few days,” Rodgers said on Sunday. “Whatever happens out of there, I don’t know if anything will be definitive coming out of those.
“But I just need some time away to think about my future in the game, and my future here if they want me to be a part of the next phase or if they’re ready to move on. Either way, I’m thankful for my two years here.
“Truthfully, I don’t know [if I’ll be back]… It feels good to be able to do some of the things last five or six weeks I knew I was capable of doing even at 40, 41… But either way, I won’t be upset or offended, whatever they decide to do.
“If they want to move on, if I still want to play. And if not, I’ll let them know at some point if that’s the case.”
The Steelers, led by head coach Mike Tomlin, could view Rodgers as a short-term solution if they decide to move on from Wilson and Fields.
This isn’t the first time Rodgers and Pittsburgh have been linked. Several years ago, Rodgers and Tomlin shared a lighthearted on-field exchange that fueled speculation about a potential partnership.
The two have made no secret about the mutual respect they share for each other.
Of course, the sole focus for Tomlin and the Steelers right now is on their upcoming playoff game against the rival Baltimore Ravens.
Despite being significant underdogs, we all know it’s a risky proposition to bet against a Mike Tomlin team.
The Steelers’ playoff performance may heavily influence their quarterback decisions. A postseason victory – their first since 2016 – could bolster Wilson’s case to return.
However, another early exit might signal the end of his time in Pittsburgh.
Meanwhile, the Jets face financial hurdles to cut ties with Rodgers this offseason. A post-June 1 designation would spread $49 million in dead money across the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Keeping Rodgers through 2025 would result in a $63 million cap hit in 2026 if they part ways at that point.
The Steelers, meanwhile, might find value in bringing Rodgers aboard on a short-term deal, leveraging his experience to stabilize the quarterback position.
While Rodgers will always have his (un)fair share of doubters, there are many Steelers fans who are excited about the idea of seeing the future Hall of Famer in Pittsburgh.
What do you think the future holds for Rodgers? … Can you see Tomlin and company making a move for him???
