Aaron Rodgers appeared to be nearing the end of his storied NFL career during the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, following an early playoff exit, the four-time MVP has yet to close the door on a potential return.
While Rodgers is clearly past his prime, his experience and durability could still make him an option if he chooses to continue playing. The question now is whether any team is willing to take a chance on the 42-year-old quarterback or if retirement is the more likely outcome.
Aaron Rodgers’ Future Hinges on Pittsburgh
Rodgers finished the season fourth on the NFL’s all-time touchdown passes list, but his overall performance showed noticeable signs of decline. That downturn was on full display in the Steelers’ Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans, a 30–6 defeat at Acrisure Stadium in which Rodgers threw for just 146 yards, no touchdowns, and 1 interception.
Complicating matters further, longtime Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down following the season, making a return to Pittsburgh less certain. But according to PFSN’s Ryan Guthrie, Rodgers’ options may be limited to two outcomes: returning to the Steelers or retiring altogether.
“Another ‘run it back or retire’ situation,” Guthrie wrote. “Aaron Rodgers somehow guided the Steelers to the playoffs, but he clearly wasn’t himself, ranking just No. 29 in the PFSN NFL QB Impact Metric (71.4). That number reflects what the market likely already knows: his options are limited. Pittsburgh offers familiarity, stability, and a defense good enough to mask decline. Anything else would feel like forcing it.”
Despite the uncertainty, Pittsburgh remains the most realistic landing spot if Rodgers decides to play in 2026. The Steelers are still searching for their next head coach, but reports suggest interest in Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ former coach in Green Bay, which could further influence the quarterback’s decision.
The organization also faces long-term questions at the quarterback position. Without a premium draft pick and with a weak upcoming quarterback class, Pittsburgh may be tempted to bring Rodgers back as a short-term solution.
The Steelers’ defense ranked 16th in PFSN’s Defense Impact Metric and was often good enough to keep the team competitive early in the season. With further improvements on that side of the ball, Pittsburgh could again attempt to shield Rodgers’ declining physical abilities.
Rodgers started 16 games in 2025, completing 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He earned a C-minus grade and ranked 29th among qualifying quarterbacks. The numbers suggest the 42-year-old remains durable and efficient at a baseline level, but they also highlight how little separation now exists between Rodgers and the league’s middle tier of quarterback play.
For now, Rodgers has shown no urgency in determining his future. While speculation continues to link him back to Pittsburgh, much will depend on who the Steelers hire as their next head coach and whether both sides believe one more run is worth the risk.
