Aaron Rodgers isn’t in a hurry: not to retire, not to return and not to sign with another team.
The 41-year-old quarterback, released by the New York Jets last month, said Thursday he’s not ready to make a commitment for the upcoming NFL season. Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, the four-time MVP stressed that his current focus is on matters off the field, including a serious relationship and close friends facing personal challenges.
“I’m in a different phase of my life,” Rodgers said. “To make a commitment to a team is a big thing. And I don’t think it’s fair to the Steelers or anyone while I’m dealing with a lot off the field.”
Rodgers has met with the Pittsburgh Steelers and spoken with both the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants since his release, but no deal appears imminent. The Giants have already filled out their quarterback room, signing both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. The Vikings have publicly committed to rookie JJ McCarthy. That leaves Pittsburgh – where Rodgers visited quietly last month, renting a Chevy Malibu to avoid fanfare – as the most viable landing spot.
While the Steelers have cap space and a shaky depth chart that currently features Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, Rodgers has made it clear he’s not seeking leverage. “It ain’t about the money,” he said. “I told every single one of the teams I’d play for $10m. Whatever.”
Rodgers emphasized that he’s “open to anything and attached to nothing”, including the possibility of retirement. “This entire time I haven’t felt like I owed anybody a decision,” he said. “If you need to move on, do something else, I’ve got nothing but love and respect.”
The Jets moved on in March, releasing Rodgers just two days after inking former Steeler Justin Fields to a deal. Rodgers said he was “shocked” by the brief meeting with new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, in which they told him in less than a minute that the franchise was going in a new direction.
Rodgers’ tenure with the Jets was brief and rocky. After a torn achilles ended his 2023 debut after just four snaps, he returned in 2024 to start all 17 games. Though he threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, the Jets finished just 5-12, and Rodgers ranked outside the top 25 in most efficiency metrics. The team sputtered to a 3-7 record in one-score games.
Still, his influence in New York extended beyond stats. He voluntarily took a $35m pay cut in 2023 to provide salary cap flexibility and was voted the Jets’ most inspirational player that season for his effort to return from injury.
Rodgers now has 62,952 passing yards and 503 career touchdowns, ranking seventh and fifth in NFL history, respectively. A Super Bowl champion with the Packers, he remains the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdowns and passer rating.
Despite his pedigree, Rodgers reiterated that no decision is imminent – and the looming NFL draft won’t change that.
“I want to keep the lines of communication open,” he said. “But right now, my focus is on my personal life. When I’m ready, I’ll know.”
