NFL insider: Aaron Rodgers free agency feels like 'Steelers or retirement'

Time continues to tick on Aaron Rodgers‘ free agency decision and his options have narrowed, according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. The feeling is that it’s “Steelers or retirement,” for the former NFL MVP.

“The Pittsburgh Steelers do remain optimistic. Based on everything I’m hearing, they are willing to wait this out,” Fowler said during SportsCenter on Saturday morning. “And a lot of people I’ve talked to in the quarterback market, some sources close to Jameis Winston‘s process, Russell Wilson, etc. They believe that Rodgers must have some sort of assurance from the Steelers, or vice versa, that they could end up together.

“They’ve already talked contract potential parameters,he visited with the team. … So does he continue to wait until closer to the draft, or do they come to some sort of agreement [before that]? It appears that nothing is imminent right now, and you can expect the unpredictable with Aaron Rodgers.”

The two parties met on March 21 in Pittsburgh, which Steelers personnel skipped Michigan‘s Pro Day for. That’s a testament to the commitment of the organization, which typically attends every major Pro Day during the pre-draft process.

Despite the Steelers’ commitment, according to Fowler, Rodgers’ visit to Pittsburgh was a “get to know” you sort of meeting. Fowler noted last week that the team is now “aggressively pursuing” the former Packers and Jets quarterback.

In the time since, Russell Wilson has singed with the New York Giants which leaves Rodgers with one less option. Now, there are two definite paths for Rodgers ahead of him if Fowler’s report pans out. However, with this being Rodgers’ first free agency in a two decade-long career, it’s unsure what to expect from the veteran quarterback

If he chooses to keep playing, Rodgers will be putting the finishing touches on a Hall of Fame career. Rodgers was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2005, and after a fruitful career the Packers would trade Rodgers to the Jets in 2023. Rodgers missed nearly all of the 2023 season due to a torn Achilles, but returned in 2024 and led the Jets to a 5-12 record despite throwing for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Finishing up his 20th NFL season following the 2024 campaign, the veteran quarterback has thrown for over 62,000 yards with 503 touchdowns during his career. He’s won four MVP awards and a Super Bowl with the Packers in 2011, which came over the Steelers no less.