Rapoport: Retirement Doesn’t Seem Likely for Aaron Rodgers
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport doesn't think retirement is likely for free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
It seems like free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers only has two options left: Joining the Pittsburgh Steelers or hanging up his cleats for good. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport thinks the latter far more unlikely, too.
“The Minnesota Vikings were very clear that Aaron Rodgers, as of right now, is not an option for them. They are moving full speed ahead with J.J. McCarthy. There are no other spots. So if Aaron Rodgers is going to play football in 2025, it is going to be for the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Rapoport said on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football.” “Lot of positive momentum with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. It seems like that’s the most likely place, by far. He just hasn’t come out and said it yet. Meanwhile, the specter of possible retirement doesn’t seem likely.”
It remains unclear why Rodgers is taking so much time to make a decision on where he’ll play in 2025, especially with most of his options drying up.
Many have speculated that Rodgers is holding out hope for the Vikings, and while Minnesota hasn’t closed the door on him, the team seems to be moving forward with McCarthy.
The Steelers also seem to be just fine with waiting since they haven’t put any timeframe on Rodgers to make his decision.
Head coach Mike Tomlin suggested that the team wouldn’t even need Rogers for OTAs, and president Art Rooney II said the team is comfortable waiting at this point.
“Not forever, but a little while longer,” Rooney said. “… Hopefully, we’ll know something soon.”
However, Rapoport believes a decision is coming sooner rather than later.
“I would not be surprised if there was an announcement from him over the next couple of weeks,” Rapoport said. “It has to be, theoretically, before the draft because if the Steelers don’t get an answer by late April, they will likely draft a quarterback. In fact, they may draft a quarterback anyway.”
Steelers fans and many others around the league are certainly hoping that’s the case, so their full focus can be put on the 2025 NFL Draft.