Aaron Rodgers appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and made his commitment to the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he is excited for this year, he failed to commit beyond this campaign. It could be a one-and-done contract with the club, but there are no guarantees that will be the case. It's possible both parties could be willing to extend this marriage beyond the lone season.
"I’m pretty sure this is my last season and that’s why we did the one-year deal. I’ve played twenty years, and I’ve enjoyed it. There’s no better way to finish it than with Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Rodgers said during his appearance on the show.
While that comment might seem opposed to Rodgers coming back in 2026, it would be unwise to dismiss the idea. Things would have to break in either a terrible way or an extremely productive outcome for the future Hall of Famer to return for what would be his 22nd year in the NFL. It would be almost unheard of, but Tom Brady has proven it's possible as a starter.
Rodgers has been enthralled with the history of the game, and the NFL would love to keep an aging gunslinger in the fold. Pittsburgh signed Rodgers to help their team make the playoffs and compete when they enter the postseason. Another failure compared to last season or worse could cause a meltdown. It could also create a bigger desire for the veteran to make another round.
Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers might produce a lasting marriage
Rodgers returning in 2026 is unlikely, but he has shown an interest in sticking with a Brett Favre career path. The veteran hasn't retired and returned like Farve, but he has created a similar career. Both moved on from the Green Bay Packers late in their careers and joined the New York Jets. After a failed career in New York, both joined playoff-hungry teams.
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The Steelers are hoping that Rodgers will experience a late-career resurgence, similar to Favre when he joined the Minnesota Vikings. Favre played exceptionally well and led a talented Vikings team to the NFC Championship. If Rodgers can achieve something similar, Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin would be thrilled.
It could lead to playoff success and put the team in a strong position to eventually hand the reins to a rookie quarterback.
The result of this upcoming campaign doesn't matter. Rodgers should be interested in returning if they fail to win a Super Bowl. That appears to be one of his motivating factors. For a quarterback who has produced such a legendary career, it's shocking that he only has one ring. He might be gunning for a successful year, but don't be shocked if he ponders his future once this season concludes.
He might've spoken too soon if he wants to keep the Farve similarities alive.
Many might have forgotten, but Farve played with Minnesota for two years before he officially hung up his cleats. He produced a magnificent campaign during his first season with the Vikings, but his second year was disastrous. Rodgers could see that and might be willing to keep that career path intertwined.