Aaron Rodgers may retire unless next team is a legit Super Bowl contender, reports reveal

Aaron Rodgers continues to keep the NFL world in suspense as the 2025 season looms. The four-time MVP and Super Bowl XLV champion hasn’t confirmed whether he plans to lace up his cleats again—but what’s increasingly evident is that Aaron Rodgers isn’t coming back just to fill a roster spot. According to CBS Sports, the 41-year-old quarterback is more likely to retire than return to a team that doesn’t offer a realistic shot at winning it all.

Aaron Rodgers may prioritize retirement over return without Super Bowl opportunity

Aaron Rodgers' future remains one of the league’s biggest unanswered questions. After a rocky stint with the New York Jets marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, the legendary quarterback has kept fans and franchises guessing. He has visited potential suitors like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who remain the most visibly interested team, but no official decision has been made. Adding to the intrigue, Rodgers has also been linked to the New York Giants and the Seattle Seahawks—both of whom have since committed to other quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Sam Darnold.


For Aaron Rodgers, it’s no longer about adding more numbers to an already Hall of Fame-worthy résumé. CBS reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala reported that he is “intellectually stimulated by more than football” and emphasized, "It’s extremely clear Rodgers is not going to play just for the sake of playing." That sentiment has only intensified the sense that unless a team with a clear path to the Lombardi Trophy steps forward, Rodgers may be ready to walk away from the game.

The Steelers' interest is understandable. Pittsburgh has released both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, leaving them with Mason Rudolph as their only signed quarterback after his two-year, $8 million return deal. While Rudolph offers reliability, he is still largely viewed as a backup option, which explains why the Steelers are aggressively scouting for a starting-caliber signal-caller.

Despite their strong culture and consistent winning seasons under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers haven’t been past the Wild Card round since 2016. Their last Super Bowl appearance came in 2010—ironically, against Rodgers and the Packers. This offseason, they’ve made some bold moves to improve their offense, including a trade for DK Metcalf, signaling that the organization is aiming for more than just a playoff berth.

But does Rodgers believe that Pittsburgh is truly built to win now? According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, someone within the Steelers organization described the vibe surrounding Rodgers as “a little weird,” suggesting that there might be more complexity to these talks than meets the eye.

At 41, Rodgers is just one season removed from a serious Achilles injury. His 2024 performance with the Jets was far from inspiring—his team went 5-12, and he finished 28th in QBR, even behind rookie Aidan O’Connell. Despite having talented offensive weapons like Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams, and Breece Hall, the Jets struggled to compete, particularly in the highly competitive AFC East.

Gone are the days when Rodgers’ mere presence could instantly elevate a team into Super Bowl contention. With his physical prime behind him and his legacy secured—10 Pro Bowl nods, four MVPs, one Super Bowl title, and over 4,000 passing yards in 10 seasons—Rodgers seems unwilling to endure another campaign that ends in mediocrity.

Whether he ultimately joins the Steelers or retires, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Aaron Rodgers is not interested in playing unless it’s with a team capable of winning it all. The ball is now in the NFL’s court.

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