Schefter: Steelers' Quarterback Target Aaron Rodgers Seriously Weighing Retirement

The Pittsburgh Steelers have put themselves in an interesting situation at the most important position in football. They don’t have a starting quarterback on the roster for 2025, and Russell Wilson is off the table after signing with the New York Giants. For the second straight year, the Steelers have completely reset their quarterback room. They brought back Mason Rudolph, but few believe he’s a legitimate starting option at this stage in his career.

With Wilson gone and Justin Fields no longer in the mix, the Steelers are running out of options. They could look to the 2025 NFL Draft, but with a strong roster, they may not be in position to land a top prospect without making a major trade. Their best bet, at least in their eyes, seems to be 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Reports suggest Pittsburgh is highly interested, hoping he can be their answer next season. The issue is that they are just waiting to see what Rodgers wants to do.

The Steelers’ hopes of landing Rodgers in 2025 hinge on him wanting to continue his NFL career. If he decides to hang up his cleats, their vision for him as their next quarterback could already be slipping away. On Wednesday, NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed on ESPN Milwaukee that Rodgers might not even want to play in 2025. If that’s the case, the Steelers' excitement about landing him could quickly turn into panic as they scramble for another solution.

"I think that first of all, they both need each other right now, frankly," Schefter said. "And that's if Aaron wants to play. Which I'm not convinced yet that he does. Until I hear him, 'I want to play,' then I can tell you people are asking that question about whether or not he wants to play. It's come up."

First things first, Rodgers is a polarizing figure who insists he doesn’t love the spotlight but always seems to find himself in it. Many Steelers fans and football fans believe that’s why he hasn’t made a decision yet. 

However, at 41 years old and after a long NFL career, he may genuinely be unsure if his body can handle another season. That would be understandable—but incredibly disappointing for the Steelers’ front office.

"I'm hearing he might not want to play," Schefter said. "Which by the way, again, I don't want to speak for him because I don't want to get called out. We're speculating, but it shouldn't be that hard. Either you want to play for the Steelers or you don't. What are we waiting for?"

Schefter was very careful with his wording because he knows Rodgers likes to call out insiders. Rodgers is extremely secretive, keeping things close to the vest and taking pride in controlling his own narrative. That is what makes this situation so fascinating. Despite all the reports about him potentially joining the Steelers, nobody truly knows what he is thinking.

Steelers Fans Are Ready For Closure On The Aaron Rodgers Situation

Rodgers is unpredictable enough that he could go on a darkness retreat and completely change his mind. He is deeply in tune with his spirit and approaches decisions differently than anyone else in the NFL. That is why his next move remains a mystery, even as the Steelers seem convinced he will be their quarterback in 2025.

At this point, Rodgers has two real options. He can keep playing, with Pittsburgh as his most likely destination, or he can retire. Whatever he decides, it will be massive news, and Steelers fans are more than ready for some closure on the Rodgers situation.

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