Aaron Rodgers’ retirement decision gets final deadline

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

25 February 2026 at 20:46

Aaron Rodgers’ NFL future has been a popular topic in the last two offseasons. After a tumultuous tenure with the New York Jets (winning only five games in two seasons), Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers were in negotiations for several months.

It took until June to learn about the four-time MVP’s decision. He joined the Steelers on a one-year, $13.6 million deal to extend his career. He led the Steelers to a 10-7 record and the AFC North championship, while going 327 of 498 for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

MORE: Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers linked with NFC team amid retirement rumors

Some think Rodgers would take a lot of time to make up his mind, but ESPN insider Adam Schefter explained that the decision might come sooner than expected.

“The belief around the league is that he’s supposed to give an answer by mid-March,” Schefter said. “Many people thought there was no chance he’d be back but it certainly sounds like it’s a consideration.”

“The feeling is that he could be back with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But, if we go back to last year, he wanted to play in Minnesota. I don’t know how Aaron Rodgers feels and I don’t know how the Vikings feel. They didn’t want to do that last year because they were being protective of JJ McCarthy.

“But, do they still feel the same way or is Aaron Rodgers part of the conversation?”

MORE: ESPN analyst projects outcome of Aaron Rodgers–Mike McCarthy pairing as Steelers target Lombardi winner

Steelers GM says they want Aaron Rodgers back

10. Aaron Rodgers — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers warms up before an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, Steelers general manager Omar Khan made it clear the team wants to run it back with Rodgers. The fact that they signed Mike McCarthy as their new head coach could entice the 42-year-old to add one more season to his resume.

“I spoke to him last week. Mike McCarthy has spoke to him,” Khan said. “He knows how we feel about him. Right now, we’re proceeding. … He’s a free agent, and he’s not on the roster, but he knows how we feel about him.”

The Steelers couldn’t move past the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the 2025 NFL playoffs. They hope that an offensive-minded coach can get them over the hump.