Even at the ripe age of 42 years old, Aaron Rodgers proved he could still operate at a high level in 2025. In his lone season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the four-time MVP threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, guiding the franchise to its first AFC North title since 2020.
For much of the regular season, Rodgers delivered efficiency, ball security and veteran command.It was precisely what Pittsburgh envisioned when it signed him to a one-year, $13.65 million contract that included a $10 million signing bonus. Yet the postseason told a different story.
In a 30-6 wild-card loss to the Houston Texans, Rodgers completed 17 of 33 passes for just 146 yards with one interception.
Wow: Aaron Rodgers thinks it’s weird that Ghislaine Maxwell was found guilty of trafficking kids, but no clients were indicted.
“There were a lot of people that didn’t want him [Jeffrey Epstein] to be alive because he “had the goods on everybody.”
😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/jj56deynIM
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 28, 2026
Wow: Aaron Rodgers thinks it’s weird that Ghislaine Maxwell was found guilty of trafficking kids, but no clients were indicted.
“There were a lot of people that didn’t want him [Jeffrey Epstein] to be alive because he “had the goods on everybody.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers rolled the dice with Aaron Rodgers in 2025 and were rewarded with a late-season run that culminated in a division title and playoff berth.
The Steelers face more uncertainty at quarterback heading into the 2026 season, but one analyst believes they could take another big swing. Garrett Podell of CBS Sports broke down landing spots for the top free agent quarterbacks this offseason, predicting the Steelers could land one who made a surprise early run at the MVP award.
Steelers Could Find Aaron Rodgers Replacement
Aaron Rodgers
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) audibles during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
While Rodgers has not yet said whether he plans to retire or return to the NFL, the Steelers could forge ahead with their plans for 2026 by landing a new signal-caller. Podell called them a “logical fit” for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who had a surprise turnaround season that was cut short by injury.
The offense stalled, protection broke down, and the defeat sparked renewed debate about whether Rodgers remains a long-term “QB1” solution.His contract has since expired at the end of the season, leaving him an unrestricted free agent without a public declaration of retirement.
Complicating the picture is the organizational shift in Pittsburgh. Former head coach Mike Tomlin stepped away from the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 13 following the playoff disappointment.
A week later, the franchise hired Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ former head coach with the Green Bay Packers. The reunion naturally fueled speculation about a second season in Pittsburgh.
At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, general manager Omar Khan confirmed communication remains open. “The door’s open to have Aaron back,” Khan said, signaling that the Steelers are not prepared to close the chapter.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a return to Pittsburgh is currently “more likely than not,” though retirement remains a secondary possibility.