The Pittsburgh Steelers are already thinking beyond this season with Aaron Rodgers. The veteran quarterback has made it clear that this will likely be his final year in the NFL. Bringing Rodgers to the Steel City took time, but he stayed committed to the verbal agreement he gave the franchise.
“I just think verbally, behind the scenes, not that he guaranteed it, but he’s told [the Steelers], ‘Listen, I’m gonna play for you. I just don’t want to go there and then miss part of mandatory minicamp because of my personal issues. I’m pretty sure they’re gonna be solved by the end of May, at least in my satisfaction where I can give you my all,’” Ian O’Connor said.
Rodgers has entered the season with a renewed mindset—he wants to win it all. He’s also in the best shape of his life, something he’s made a clear point of emphasis.
“I can say here—and I think I’m 100 percent right—[Rodgers] is in the best shape and changed his body a little bit to fit who he really is,” said Super Bowl champion Phil Simms on his podcast.
Rodgers shared that his decision to return this season was deeply personal, driven by how much football still means to him.
Looking ahead, the Steelers may already be preparing for a post-Rodgers era. One option on the table is acquiring quarterback Malik Willis from the Packers via trade.
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“The Steelers should also consider kicking the tires on Willis. Aaron Rodgers isn’t a long-term solution in Pittsburgh, and Willis’ dual-threat skill set would fit the system of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers wanted to bring back Fields before losing him to the Jets and pivoting to Rodgers,” Bleacher Report’s Kevin Knox wrote.
Willis hasn’t had much opportunity to prove himself as a starter since being drafted by the Titans. With three wins in just five starts, he’s simply looking for a chance—and if he capitalizes on it, he could become the Steelers’ long-term answer at quarterback.
