Aaron Rodgers isn’t in a rush: to not retire, to not return and to not signal with one other group.
The 41-year-old quarterback, launched by the New York Jets final month, stated Thursday he’s not able to make a dedication for the upcoming NFL season. Showing on the Pat McAfee Present, the four-time MVP careworn that his present focus is on issues off the sphere, together with a severe relationship and shut pals dealing with private challenges.
“I’m in a distinct section of my life,” Rodgers stated. “To make a dedication to a group is an enormous factor. And I don’t suppose it’s truthful to the Steelers or anybody whereas I’m coping with loads off the sphere.”
Rodgers has met with the Pittsburgh Steelers and spoken with each the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants since his launch, however no deal seems imminent. The Giants have already stuffed out their quarterback room, signing each Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. The Vikings have publicly dedicated to rookie JJ McCarthy. That leaves Pittsburgh – the place Rodgers visited quietly final month, renting a Chevy Malibu to keep away from fanfare – as essentially the most viable touchdown spot.
Whereas the Steelers have cap area and a shaky depth chart that presently options Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, Rodgers has made it clear he’s not in search of leverage. “It ain’t concerning the cash,” he stated. “I advised each single one of many groups I’d play for $10m. No matter.”
Rodgers emphasised that he’s “open to something and hooked up to nothing”, together with the potential for retirement. “This complete time I haven’t felt like I owed anyone a choice,” he stated. “If you have to transfer on, do one thing else, I’ve acquired nothing however love and respect.”
The Jets moved on in March, releasing Rodgers simply two days after inking former Steeler Justin Fields to a deal. Rodgers stated he was “shocked” by the transient assembly with new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and common supervisor Darren Mougey, during which they advised him in lower than a minute that the franchise was getting into a brand new route.
Rodgers’ tenure with the Jets was transient and rocky. After a torn achilles ended his 2023 debut after simply 4 snaps, he returned in 2024 to begin all 17 video games. Although he threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, the Jets completed simply 5-12, and Rodgers ranked exterior the highest 25 in most effectivity metrics. The group sputtered to a 3-7 document in one-score video games.
Nonetheless, his affect in New York prolonged past stats. He voluntarily took a $35m pay lower in 2023 to offer wage cap flexibility and was voted the Jets’ most inspirational participant that season for his effort to return from harm.
Rodgers now has 62,952 passing yards and 503 profession touchdowns, rating seventh and fifth in NFL historical past, respectively. A Tremendous Bowl champion with the Packers, he stays the franchise’s all-time chief in touchdowns and passer ranking.
Regardless of his pedigree, Rodgers reiterated that no choice is imminent – and the looming NFL draft received’t change that.
“I wish to maintain the strains of communication open,” he stated. “However proper now, my focus is on my private life. After I’m prepared, I’ll know.”
