Aaron Rodgers Finally Reveals the Reason Behind Delaying His Pittsburgh Steelers Commitment

Aaron Rodgers is standing in the middle between playing another NFL career and retirement.

Aaron Rodgers Finally Reveals the Reason Behind Delaying His Pittsburgh Steelers Commitment

Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

Aaron Rodgers became a free agent after the New York Jets released him in early 2025. Three teams battled to sign the Super Bowl winner until the Pittsburgh Steelers emerged as the clear favorites.

However, the Steelers have less than a week before the OTAs, and they still don’t have a definitive answer from Rodgers. The 41-year-old remained silent about his commitment until he attended the latest episode of the Joe Rogan podcast.

Rodgers and Rogan shared insights on several subjects. They also briefly discussed his next destination in the NFL and why he hasn’t signed a contract yet. Rodgers cited personal reasons for staying away from an NFL commitment.

I’ve been in the weeds with these people who are close to me that have cancer.

Aaron Rodgers said

This wasn’t the first time Rodgers hinted at going through a difficult phase in his life. In April, he appeared on his friend Pat McAfee’s show and said,

I’m in a serious relationship [and] I have off-the-field stuff going on that requires my attention. …I have a couple people in my inner, inner circle who are battling some quite difficult stuff.

The Steelers remain optimistic about Rodgers joining their team. In a recent segment of ESPN’s SportCenter, analyst and NFL insider Jeremy Fowler revealed that the Steelers are in touch with Rodgers.

The [Pittsburgh] Steelers are respecting Aaron Rodgers’ time. He had alluded in the past on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ that he had some issues in his inner circle that he wanted to work out. So, the Steelers acknowledge that and are aware of those types of situations.

Jeremy Fowler said

What alternatives do the Steelers have if Aaron Rodgers declines their invitation?

Rodgers may be a four-time NFL MVP and a future Hall of Famer, but he hasn’t looked the part during the last few years. Fans have to rewind the NFL clock to the 2021 season when he last recorded 10 wins in a season (13-3 while playing for the Green Bay Packers).

Aaron Rodgers Finally Reveals the Reason Behind Delaying His Pittsburgh Steelers Commitment
Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

In the three seasons since then, Rodgers has only won 14 of 21 games. On top of it, he suffered a devastating Achilles tear in his first season with the New York Jets.

The new Jets regime no longer viewed Rodgers as a good long-term option and opted for a younger quarterback. Only the Steelers seem keen on his services.

However, there’s a high chance he might never set foot on the NFL turf in the future. The Steelers would be in a serious pinch if Rodgers suddenly announced his retirement because they only have Mason Rudolph as their seasoned campaigner apart from rookie Will Howard and career backup Skylar Thompson.

If Rodgers doesn’t show up, then the Steelers should turn to Kirk Cousins. Due to his howlers last year, Cousins is stuck as the backup at the Atlanta Falcons, and as per the Falcons’ owner, they would be open to a trade.

Kirk Cousins would be the ideal backup plan if the Rodgers deal falls flat—but there’s a catch. The Steelers would likely need to take on at least $20 million of his guaranteed money. It would be a win-win for both Cousins and the Steelers, should Pittsburgh take on the financial challenge.

Andrew Vasquez of the Steelers Wire wrote

Cousins threw 303 completions for 3508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions before the Falcons benched him for Michael Penix Jr.

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