What is Aaron Rodgers going to do? That’s the big question for the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the New York Giants signing Russell Wilson, the Steelers seem like Rodgers’ final option if he wants to play in 2025. However, he still hasn’t made a decision. That’s caused some speculation that he could retire. Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby thinks Rodgers will choose to hang his cleats up rather than play for the Steelers.
“I’ve been saying it,” Crosby said recently on The Rush podcast. “The fact that he’s not with Davante [Adams], and he’s not very familiar with Pittsburgh. I don’t know. I feel like he retires. He’s about 42 now.”
The longer this situation drags out, the more it feels like Rodgers could be seriously mulling retirement. He is 41 years old, and he’s done basically everything a quarterback can do in the NFL. He’s a four-time league MVP and a Super Bowl champion. If Rodgers retires today, he’ll go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during his first year of eligibility.
However, there are reasons he could still want to play. His career with the Green Bay Packers was phenomenal. The same cannot be said about his recent stint with the New York Jets. It was a disaster. In his first season there, Rodgers tore his Achilles in Week 1. Then, in his second season, he did not look like himself.
Rodgers likely doesn’t want to go out on that note. Although he’s going to find himself in the Hall of Fame one day, he probably doesn’t want last year to be his final memory in the NFL. He probably feels like he’s still got some good football left in him.
That’s why he could sign with the Steelers.
“I feel like that makes sense, him going to the Steelers. I think they need a quarterback. They need a guy who’s a vet, proven dude,” Crosby said. “But I don’t see it. I just don’t see that as a thing. I can’t see him in a Pittsburgh uniform. My brain can’t put that together.”
Seeing Rodgers in a Steelers uniform would be a little odd. After all, he was the one who beat them in their last Super Bowl appearance. Five years ago, Rodgers on the Steelers would’ve been a dream.
However, it’s more complicated now. He isn’t the same player he once was. It’s hard to say how good the Steelers could be with Rodgers. There’s so much uncertainty surrounding Rodgers. Until he actually signs with the Steelers, they should be prepared for any outcome, including retirement.
