In the world of NFL quarterback musical chairs, Aaron Rodgers seems to be the last best hope for the Steelers—or at least that’s how they view it. With the Vikings pledging their allegiance to J.J. McCarthy and the Giants snapping up Russell Wilson, options are dwindling for both Rodgers and the Steel City. Sure, they’ve re-signed Mason Rudolph, but he’s not their long-term starter. Rodgers’ list of potential teams is getting shorter, yet there’s a twist.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Rodgers doesn’t have to don the Steelers jersey, because he might opt not to suit up at all. With his options narrowing, the idea of retirement is gaining traction. Right now, he’s facing two paths: take the offer from Pittsburgh or hang up his cleats. Social media is abuzz with national commentators noting how the retirement chatter is growing louder.
Some Steelers fans might secretly (or not so secretly) breathe a sigh of relief at the thought of Rodgers retiring instead of joining their roster. He remains a divisive figure, and his peak days appear to be in the rearview mirror at this point. It’s been a while since he guided a team to a winning season, and retirement rumors have swirled around him for years. Remember when he was in the running to host “Jeopardy!”?
The chatter intensified when there was talk of Rodgers choosing between the Steelers or the Giants in a few short days. But the Giants moved faster, securing Russell Wilson and adding Jameis Winston to their lineup. They also hold the third-overall draft pick, which likely removes them from the Rodgers sweepstakes entirely.
Barring a change of heart from the Vikings, the Steelers are standing as Rodgers’ sole option. Maybe that’s why it feels like he’s stalling. There’s speculation that he’s playing some kind of game, possibly for strategic leverage or out of pride.
But what if the prospect of playing for the Steelers under current terms isn’t enticing for Rodgers? He might not be receiving the lucrative contract he’s used to, especially compared to Wilson’s deal with the Giants.
At this stage, Rodgers has little left to prove. He’s a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, with a Super Bowl win against—you guessed it—the Steelers. Sitting on a career haul of nearly $400 million and already in his 40s, football isn’t a necessity for him anymore. He’s made it clear he sees himself as more than just a player.
So, while the competition for Rodgers seems to have evaporated, the Steelers still face one big challenge: convincing him he’s got a reason to keep lacing up his boots.
The old saying goes, if you’re contemplating retirement, you’re already halfway there. That may not always apply, but with Rodgers’ recent form not quite reaching his previous MVP heights, there’s the question of what the Steelers stand to gain from this potential deal. And, if he decides on retirement, what’s their Plan B?
