Aaron Rodgers knows that his time in the NFL is coming to an end. The Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback has had a solid overall season, at least from a box score perspective. Just over 3,000 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions in 15 starts thus far. He has led his team to a 9-7 record (9-6 as the starter) this season, and he is one win away from delivering the first AFC North title to Steelers fans since 2020.
Regardless of what happens on Sunday Night Football against the Ravens in Week 18, however, whispers about his impending retirement decision will only grow louder with the season winding down. Before the 2025 season kicked off, he made it sound like his first year with Pittsburgh would be his last in the NFL.
Fast forward to today, though, and he doesn't sound quite as sure about what his future holds. Rodgers spoke with reporters on Wednesday after practice, and he had this to say about his future via ESPN's Brooke Pryor.
“I'm 42, and I'm on a 1-year deal. You know what the situation is. Whenever the season ends, I'll be a free agent. That’ll give me a lot of options if I still want to play — Not a lot of options, but, I would think maybe 1 or 2 if I decide I still want to play.”
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers hints that 2025 may not be his final season
I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like somebody who already knows that he is done playing football. Despite his clear physical limitations, Rodgers can still throw the football with the best of them. He may not be an MVP candidate or an All-Pro any longer, but plenty of teams could still view him as an upgrade in 2026.
The question now is whether the Steelers will have interest in running it back with him in 2026. The results have been mixed to say the least, but he is still far and away the best QB they have employed since Ben Roethlisberger hung up his cleats.
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With the free agent market lacking a sure-fire upgrade and the 2026 NFL draft lacking many legit first-round prospects, sticking with Rodgers for another year could end up as their best option to remain competitive. The outcome of Week 18 (and potential playoff games after that) will play a big part in the decision.
Russell Wilson looked like he would have the opportunity to return to Pittsburgh after leading them to a 6-1 record in his first seven starts last year, but everything fell apart from that point on. If Rodgers puts up another stinker in Week 18 after his dreadful Week 17 showing against the Browns, that may be enough for the Steelers to rule him out as an option next year in a similar fashion to Wilson.
Fans likely won't get a concrete answer on Rodgers' future for months, but his latest comments would make it a surprise if he isn't playing somewhere in 2026.