Quick Read
- Aaron Rodgers is considering retirement but remains open to joining the Steelers.
- He recently met with Steelers leadership, including head coach Mike Tomlin.
- Rodgers emphasized that money is not a factor and is willing to play for $10M.
- No decision has been made yet, as Rodgers is prioritizing personal matters.
- The Steelers are keeping communication open but may draft a QB in 2025.
Aaron Rodgers Reflects on Future Amid Steelers Talks
Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers has broken his silence regarding his future in professional football. During a candid appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers addressed speculation about his potential retirement, his recent meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his willingness to play for a significantly reduced salary of $10 million. The quarterback, who is navigating personal challenges, emphasized that no formal decision has been made about the 2025 season.
Retirement Still on the Table
Rodgers revealed that retirement remains a viable option as he weighs his next steps. “I am trying to be open to everything and not specifically attached to anything when it comes to this decision,” Rodgers stated. He highlighted the importance of being “all-in” when committing to a team, adding that his personal life currently takes precedence.
“I don’t think it was fair to the Steelers or anyone to make a decision while I’m dealing with a lot off the field,” Rodgers said. He reiterated that he has kept all relevant parties informed about his thought process while dismissing unfounded rumors. “The people that need to know know what’s going on, and the people that don’t make up things about me,” he remarked.
Meeting with the Steelers
Rodgers confirmed reports of his recent visit to Pittsburgh, where he met with key figures from the Steelers organization, including head coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Omar Khan, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth. “Personally, I wanted to see what it was like there,” Rodgers said. “See the facility, get to meet Omar in person, just get a glimpse of what life would be like in Pittsburgh.”
To maintain discretion, Rodgers opted for an alternative travel route, driving to the Steelers’ facility in a Chevy Malibu. Despite his efforts, news of the visit surfaced. Rodgers expressed his admiration for the organization and confirmed that no deadline has been set for him to make a decision. “I’ve been up front with them about my thought process,” he said. “I said, ‘Listen, if you need to move on, by all means, nothing but love and respect if that’s a decision that needs to be made.’”
Willingness to Play for $10 Million
In a surprising revelation, Rodgers stated that financial considerations would not influence his decision. “Money is not a factor,” he said, adding that he would be willing to play for $10 million this season. This statement underscores Rodgers’ focus on finding the right fit rather than maximizing his earnings.
Steelers’ Draft Plans and Other Options
While the Steelers remain a potential landing spot for Rodgers, the team is also exploring other options. Pittsburgh is expected to select a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Alabama’s Jalen Milroe emerging as a possible candidate. Milroe recently met with the Steelers’ leadership and expressed enthusiasm about potentially joining the team. “The amount of pieces that they have, a head coach that understands the offensive scheme and is defensive-minded… there’s definitely a lot of great pieces of being a Steeler,” Milroe said in an interview with CBS Sports.
Rodgers also confirmed that he has spoken with the Minnesota Vikings, another team linked to him in recent rumors. However, the Vikings appear committed to JJ McCarthy as their starting quarterback for now.
As Rodgers continues to deliberate, the NFL world watches closely. His decision could significantly impact the Steelers’ strategy, particularly if they decide to move forward with drafting a quarterback. For now, Rodgers remains focused on resolving his personal matters while keeping communication lines open with interested teams. “Once a commitment is made, it has to be an all-in type of thing,” Rodgers emphasized. Whether he chooses to retire, join the Steelers, or explore other opportunities, Rodgers’ next move will undoubtedly shape the 2025 NFL season.