Aaron Rodgers has broken his silence regarding his uncertain future in the NFL. During an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on April 17, 2025, the four-time MVP quarterback addressed the swirling rumors about his potential retirement and his discussions with teams following his release from the New York Jets last month.
Rodgers, who is still weighing his options for the upcoming season, stated that he is currently focused on personal matters involving people close to him. "I’m open to anything and attached to nothing," he said, emphasizing that he has not made a decision about his playing future. Retirement, he acknowledged, remains a possibility.
One of the most notable aspects of Rodgers' interview was his declaration that he would be willing to play for only $10 million, a figure significantly lower than the market rate for starting quarterbacks. "I told every single one of the teams I talked to, it ain't about the money. I'll play for [$10 million], I don't care," he remarked, dismissing any notions that he was seeking a lucrative multi-year deal.
Since his release by the Jets, Rodgers has reportedly had discussions with several teams, including the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the Giants have since signed quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, while the Vikings have committed to giving J.J. McCarthy a chance to prove himself as their starting quarterback. This leaves the Steelers as the only team with an unsettled quarterback situation after signing only Mason Rudolph in free agency.
Rodgers confirmed he is still in contact with the Steelers but has not provided them with a timeline for his decision. He admitted that he is not waiting for the Vikings, countering speculation about his motives. "That's not accurate either," he said, aiming to clarify his position amidst the rumors.
Reflecting on his exit from the Jets, Rodgers expressed his shock at how quickly the team decided to move on from him. He recounted flying across the country for a meeting with the Jets, only to be informed within 15 seconds that they were pursuing a new direction. "I was kind of shocked," he said. "Not shocked because I didn't think that was a possibility. But shocked because I flew across country, and you could have told me this on the phone."
Rodgers' time with the Jets was tumultuous, to say the least. He started 18 games over two seasons, winning only six and leading the team to a disappointing 5-12 record in 2024. His performance was marked by inconsistency; he threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, ranking third on the Jets' single-season list. However, he also finished 25th in Total QBR and struggled in several close games, with the Jets finishing 3-7 in one-score contests.
Despite the lack of on-field success, Rodgers' leadership was recognized by his teammates, who voted him the most inspirational player in 2023 after he took a voluntary $35 million pay cut to help with the team's salary cap issues. However, his tenure with the Jets is likely to be remembered as one of the more disappointing chapters in franchise history, especially given the high expectations that accompanied his arrival.
Before joining the Jets, Rodgers had an illustrious career with the Green Bay Packers, leading them to 11 playoff appearances and a Super Bowl championship during his 15 years as their starting quarterback. He is the franchise leader in touchdown passes (475) and completion percentage (65.3) and ranks second in passing yards (59,055) and completions (5,001) behind Brett Favre.
Rodgers also made history in 2024 by becoming just the fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 touchdown passes, achieving the milestone in the final game of the regular season. His career totals now stand at 503 touchdown passes and only 116 interceptions, with 62,952 passing yards, placing him seventh all-time.
As the NFL draft approaches, the pressure is mounting for Rodgers to make a decision. The Steelers, who have over $31 million in cap space, seem to be the most likely destination if he chooses to continue playing. However, with the Giants and Vikings seemingly out of the running, the options for the veteran quarterback are dwindling.
Rodgers concluded his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" by reiterating that his focus remains on his personal life and the serious situations affecting those close to him. He stated, "I have a lot of things that are taking my attention, and have, beginning in January, away from football." As such, the wait for what he will ultimately decide continues, leaving fans and teams alike in suspense.
With the NFL offseason in full swing and teams preparing for the draft, all eyes will be on Rodgers as he navigates this pivotal moment in his career. Will he return to the field, or will he choose to step away from the game? Only time will tell.
