The couch may be the Pittsburgh Steelers’ primary competition for Aaron Rodgers this offseason.
Rodgers must decide whether to retire or return for a 22nd season after spending the 2025 campaign in Pittsburgh. While the quarterback hasn’t indicated which direction he’s leaning, an insider doesn’t see the 42-year-old playing for another team.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport discussed Rodgers’ future on Friday’s “The Dan Patrick Show.” Rodgers said earlier this week on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he hasn’t received a formal offer, but Rapoport believes the four-time MVP realizes the Steelers are his primary option.
“Whether it’s been offered or not, he probably knows what it is,” Raoport said of a contract. “It’s just a matter of him saying, do I want to play or not? My sense is it’s the Steelers or no one. It’s just on him to make a decision and let us all know.”
Rapoport speculated that Rodgers would likely receive a deal in line with last year’s $13.65 million salary with a $10 million signing bonus. The Steelers certainly aren’t the only team eyeing quarterback help, but the insider would be “surprised” if the Minnesota Vikings pursued him after passing last year.
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If Minnesota is off the table, Pittsburgh stands out as the top playoff contender in the quarterback market. A reunion could thus make sense for each side if Rodgers wants to play one more season.
Although no longer a superstar, Rodgers registered a 94.8 quarterback rating and led the Steelers to an AFC North title. He’d have the opportunity to play for former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy if returning for another year.
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