The biggest NFL headline of the week was the official announcement that Aaron Rodgers is joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. Analysts had anticipated this move since the start of the offseason, and it became even more likely after Pittsburgh passed on signing a clear-cut starter in both the draft and free agency.
Now, the question across the league is: which version of Rodgers will show up in Pittsburgh? NFL legends Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson weighed in with a bold prediction about the quarterback’s future with the franchise.
Shannon Sharpe, Chad Johnson Predict Aaron Rodgers Will Only Stay One Year in Pittsburgh
Rodgers’ arrival in Pittsburgh has completely reshaped how the Steelers are viewed heading into the 2025 season. Once seen as a team without offensive direction, with Mason Rudolph projected as the likely starter, the narrative has shifted. With Rodgers under center, the franchise returns to its familiar baseline: a winning record.
Still, questions surrounding the veteran’s desire to continue playing have lingered for years. Even before signing with the New York Jets, Rodgers had considered retirement — a scenario that repeated itself this offseason.
On an episode of Nightcap, Sharpe and Johnson debated how much longer Rodgers might stay in the NFL and came to a shared conclusion: in Pittsburgh, it likely won’t be more than one season.
“How many more scenes do you think he really want to play? He want to subject himself getting up, studying film all day; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday… How long you think Aaron Rodgers wants to do that?” Sharpe asked.
Johnson responded: “Hey, when you see what the AFC North like, ain’t no telling. He might be one and done after this season.”
The AFC North’s fierce competition could be a key factor in Rodgers’ future. At this stage of his career, legacy, not money, is what’s on the line. Rodgers has earned $380,658,010 over his career, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history in terms of total contract value.
ESPN sources: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers was in the team’s training facility today to sign his one-year, $13.65 million contract that includes $10 million guaranteed and has a maximum value of $19.5 million. The deal includes $5.85 million worth of playtime and team performance… pic.twitter.com/a9DygTvufb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 7, 2025
His deal with Pittsburgh is just one year for $13.65 million — a modest sum by his standards. That makes it clear: if the team isn’t in contention for a title, this could well be Rodgers’ final NFL season. Facing Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow twice a year may serve as a barometer for that decision.
Sharpe pointed out that entering Year 21, Rodgers doesn’t seem to be chasing Tom Brady’s 23-season mark. His outlook appears to be to keep playing only as long as it makes sense. Johnson added that teams could continue signing him on short-term, cap-friendly deals like the one with Pittsburgh.
Rodgers’ career is already cemented as one of the greatest for a quarterback, at least from an individual standpoint. While he didn’t add to his ring count after 2010, when he won his only Super Bowl against the Steelers, his four MVPs speak volumes about his sustained excellence.
