Aaron Rodgers may be considering continuing his football career, possibly with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The four-time NFL MVP recently met with the Steelers, according to a source familiar with the visit who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. With an opening at quarterback, Pittsburgh is exploring options after losing Justin Fields to the Jets. While the team signed Mason Rudolph as a veteran backup, there is still room on the roster for additional quarterbacks.
At 41 years old, Rodgers is taking his time to decide his future in the sport. He has been evaluating his options in California as he contemplates returning for a 21st season. However, this deliberate approach has caused some frustration for Steelers’ defensive captain Cam Heyward, who emphasized the importance of commitment to the team on his podcast.
If Rodgers joins Pittsburgh, he could bring experience and leadership to the team, aiming to conclude his career on a positive note after facing challenges in New York. The Steelers’ interest in Rodgers stems from his successful career with the Green Bay Packers, including a Super Bowl victory over Pittsburgh in 2010.
Pittsburgh is seeking to elevate its performance after a decade of consistent but not exceptional results. The team has experienced quarterback turnover since Ben Roethlisberger retired, and Rodgers could potentially fill this crucial role. His potential arrival in Pittsburgh could add depth to the quarterback room and provide the team with a proven talent.
Overall, Rodgers’ decision to join the Steelers could significantly impact the team’s future and offer a new direction for a franchise looking to reach greater heights in the NFL.
During the 2024 season, the Steelers struggled as they lost their final five games, culminating in a playoff defeat to Baltimore. The team added firepower by acquiring Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf and extending him to a five-year deal. However, the future of George Pickens, a talented but controversial pass catcher, remains uncertain as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. Alongside dependable tight end Pat Freiermuth and running backs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, the Steelers possess a mix of promising players. With veterans like Heyward and Watt entering later stages of their careers, the team may look to Aaron Rodgers to maintain competitiveness in the short term while planning for the future beyond 2026. AP Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr. contributed to this article. For more NFL news, visit AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL