It seems that if Aaron Rodgers has another season in him, he might need to look for a different team.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II suggested that Rodgers’ future in Pittsburgh could be uncertain following Mike Tomlin’s resignation as head coach. He indicated that Rodgers came to the team to play for Tomlin, which could sway his decision on whether to continue playing.
“Aaron came here to play for Mike, so I think that’s likely to influence his decision,” Rooney remarked recently.
Rodgers, now 42, hasn’t confirmed if he will be back for a 22nd season in the NFL. He had previously mentioned in June that he was “almost certain” this would be his last year.
During the season with Pittsburgh, he threw for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns, helping to lead the team to a 10-7 record and an AFC North title.
Even though the season wrapped up in disappointment with a 30-6 wild-card loss to the Texans, Rodgers mentioned that he would take time to think it over before making a decision. “I’m not going to make an emotional decision,” he stated after the game. “This year has been really fun overall, despite the challenges. Last year was just fantastic for me, and being part of this team has been a significant highlight. So, it’s tough to be in this position after the season ends.”
Rodgers has often expressed respect for Tomlin from a distance, and in his postgame remarks, he praised Tomlin before abruptly leaving when questioned about the coach’s future.
He also strongly rejected the notion that Tomlin and his old coach from Green Bay, Matt LaFleur, should be scrutinized in any way. “But with the way the league is being reported right now and the snap decisions that pundits make, it’s really just a joke,” he added. “Mike T. has been one of the most successful coaches for nearly two decades. And when you have the right players and a positive environment, making changes doesn’t seem right. There’s always outside pressure that can influence decisions, but that’s not how I operate, and it’s not how the league used to function.”
Looking ahead, it’s tough to determine where Rodgers might end up if he decides to leave Pittsburgh. Teams with quarterback needs are always cropping up, especially among the less successful teams in the league, though retirement might seem more appealing than that option.
Several teams, including the Dolphins, Colts, and Vikings, have all had at least seven wins but fell short of the playoffs and could be in the market for a new quarterback this offseason.
