Do NFL sources think Rodgers will play beyond 2025 season?

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Do NFL sources think Steelers' Aaron Rodgers will play beyond 2025 season?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 3:19 PM ET

Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman and team captain Cameron Heyward stated on the latest episode of his podcast that he believes 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers "needs to keep playing" and "should have a job as long as he wants."

It seems like others around the NFL are starting to believe Rodgers might return to the Steelers for at least one more season.

NFL insiders starting to believe Aaron Rodgers isn't enjoying a retirement tour?

"He'll be 42 years old later this year, and just last week he threw a ball 70 yards in the air, which is better than most guys half his age," Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports said about Rodgers for an article published on Thursday afternoon. "Since the season got going, sources around the league have insisted with me that if this keeps up, it won't be Rodgers' last season."

Rodgers won four of his first six starts with the Steelers and has been warmly welcomed by Pittsburgh players as a team leader since he officially joined the organization in June. He's also shown that he's willing to serve as a game manager who can occasionally make big plays with his arm when called upon.

68-YARD TOUCHDOWN!!!!! @pat_fry5

: #PITvsCIN on @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/9cu7D5Kgc5
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 17, 2025

ESPN stats show that only three quarterbacks recorded more touchdown passes than Rodgers (14) over the season's first seven weeks. Each of those signal-callers played in seven games, while Pittsburgh's bye was in Week 5. Additionally, Rodgers began Thursday ranked 10th among qualified players with a passer rating of 105.0.

In short, the numbers suggest Rodgers would be an upgrade at quarterback for numerous clubs this fall.

Steelers keeping Aaron Rodgers options open

Rodgers previously said he was "pretty sure" he would retire following the 2025 season, but he later teased that he was already having second thoughts about that declaration.

"I think the quarterback, his teammates and the entire organization know enough to know they should just enjoy the present. I don't think they're looking past his one-year, $13.65M contract," Jones added about Rodgers and Pittsburgh. "But I also don't believe the Steelers will rule out Rodgers coming back in 2026 if this keeps up. ...There are good vibes right now and, if it keeps up, I believe the Steelers will be open to [bringing Rodgers back]."

Such comments are easy to make before the end of October, considering Rodgers has remained relatively healthy after facing numerous injury issues as a member of the New York Jets. He could be one hit away from deciding his body has had enough of the punishment quarterbacks endure each season.

That said, it seems like the Steelers could save a spot on their 2026 roster for Rodgers if he isn't yet ready to retire.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

More must-reads: