The contract that Aaron Rodgers signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this month only runs through the 2025 season, and the star quarterback says there is a simple reason for that.
Rodgers revealed during a Tuesday appearance on “The Pat McAfee” show that he is only planning to play one more season. He said that is why he signed a one-year deal with the Steelers.
“I’m pretty sure this is it. That’s why he just did a one-year deal,” Rodgers said. “The Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything. This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had. I’ve played 20 frickin’ years. It’s been a long run and I’ve enjoyed it. What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys in a city that expects you to win.”
“I’m pretty sure this is my last season and that’s why we did the one year deal..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 24, 2025
I’ve played twenty years and I’ve enjoyed it..
There’s no better way to finish it than with Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers” @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/hWN5veErEH
Rodgers’ contract with the Steelers carries a base value of just under $14 million with incentives that could bring it up to $20 million. There was a report earlier in the offseason that Rodgers wanted to play two more seasons, but that is not his plan at the moment.
Rodgers will turn 42 before the end of the 2025 season. He also recently got married to a mystery woman and said before signing with Pittsburgh that he had some issues in his personal life. It makes sense for him to chase one more championship before calling it a career, though he could change his mind down the road.
The Steelers still have Mason Rudolph on their roster and drafted Will Howard in the sixth round. They knew Rodgers was never going to be a long-term solution, but they believe they will have more success with him under center than they did with Russell Wilson.
Pittsburgh went 10-7 and made the playoffs last season. They lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the opening round. Rodgers led the New York Jets to a 5-12 record and finished with 3,897 yards, 28 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions.
