The 2025 season is almost over, and it could end sooner if the Pittsburgh Steelers lose their Week 18 matchup and get kicked out of playoff contention. This was their supposed "all-in" push to finally win a playoff game, but instead, it feels like what could be another year of mediocrity with no results to show for it. After loading up on many aging veterans and getting the same result, the solution may be to get younger all around the team. Most importantly, the organization should get some more youth at the quarterback position.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Things are never that easy when Aaron Rodgers is involved. NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported on ESPN that the 42-year-old quarterback will do what he has done a lot in years past and drag on the situation for a long, long time.
"If [the Steelers] fail to make the playoffs, does Rodgers say, 'I'm going to go?'" Fowler said. "We do shows all offseason, so we know that we're not going to get clarity right after the game on what Aaron Rodgers is going to do; it's going to be months probably, so we'll see what happens."
Rodgers pondering his decision in the 2025 offseason was painful for Steelers fans, just like it was for Green Bay Packers fans during the last few offseasons he had with that team before getting traded. One thing is for sure: he loves a dramatic entrance and exit, and there is no reason to believe that won't be the case again when the Steelers go to clean out their lockers, whenever that may be. He will take his sweet time before deciding if he wants to play again or not.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.
Rodgers may have done well overall, but he really did not elevate the Steelers like they hoped he would. He is 42 years old and is physically on the decline. He will only age more, as Father Time remains undefeated. If he couldn't fix the team in 2025, he most likely will not be able to in 2026, when he will turn 43. It may be time for him to hang up the cleats.
During the 2025 offseason, only one team seems to have wanted to sign Rodgers, and that was Pittsburgh. Head Coach Mike Tomlin had put all of his eggs into that basket. There was no true backup plan that he was comfortable with and had ready to go if the former MVP changed his mind. He held out for the veteran quarterback, got him to sign with the Steelers, and had the same regular season as he has over the last nine years.
Steelers May Just Stick To What Gives Them Comfort
Despite that, there are no signs that Tomlin is set on moving on. Rodgers has still been a good locker room guy for the most part, and the veteran head coach much prefers aging quarterbacks to those on a rookie contract. There is now a bit of chemistry with him and his weapons in Pittsburgh. It would not be surprising if he leaves the door open for a return. Like 2025, it may take a long time for a decision to be made.
Justin Guido / Post-Gazette
Steelers' QB Aaron Rodgers chats with Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a home game in Pittsburgh in the 2025 NFL season.
How many months would this potential wait-and-see game go? Rodgers probably doesn't even know the answer. Maybe the Steelers send contract offers to free agent quarterbacks and he takes it as a sign that it's time for him to go. Maybe the draft rolls around and he decides to return after a passer has been drafted to replace him. Maybe he just holds out until mandatory minicamp again, so he can play while skipping most of the offseason workouts.
What do you think about the Rodgers' saga starting back up in the 2026 offseason? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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