Aaron Rodgers. Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-PA / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

'Snitch' spills the beans on Aaron Rodgers' retirement plans

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Arnab Mondal | Last updated Jan 20, 2026 4:20 PM ET

Aaron Rodgers faces another crossroads. The four-time MVP just saw his season end with a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans, which knocked the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the AFC wild-card round. Now he heads into the offseason facing another big decision about his future.

A source close to Rodgers told the Daily Mail that he will not rush a decision.

“Aaron is going to go on his retreats and not make a public decision on returning for one more year for a few months,” the insider said. The source added, “He might take as much time as he did this past season when he finally signed with the Steelers.”

Rodgers joined the Steelers on a one-year deal last June after a long delay. He said personal matters and a family illness slowed the process. Around the same time, he quietly got married. He showed up to training camp wearing a wedding ring but never shared his wife’s name. In December 2024, he told Pat McAfee he was dating someone named Brittani, leaving teammates jokingly referring to her as a “phantom.”

Aaron Rodgers has no future with the Steelers

Aaron Rodgers. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.

The source told that Rodgers will not return to Pittsburgh. “But it won’t be for the Steelers now that Mike Tomlin is gone,” the insider said. Mike Tomlin stepped down Tuesday after 19 years. Rodgers praised Tomlin after the playoff loss. The change still shifts Rodgers’ plans.

Rodgers will watch the coaching carousel and quarterback moves around the league. The source said he still wants to play. He also wants to start a family.

“Aaron still wants to be a dad, but still wants to play,” the source said. “If there is an option to play, he will lean toward that and give it one more chance to make the Super Bowl one last time.” The insider added, “But if the alternative is to become a dad, he would be OK with that.”

The Raiders could enter the mix. The team fired head coach Pete Carroll. Geno Smith threw 17 interceptions. The Raiders plan to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. The source said Las Vegas could use Rodgers as a mentor. “The Raiders could be a landing spot for Aaron,” the insider said.

Arizona is also there in the story. The Cardinals hold the third overall pick and want a veteran quarterback to guide a rookie. According to the source, they also plan to move on from Kyler Murray.

Rodgers showed he still has something left this season. He threw for 3,028 yards with 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He broke his left wrist in November and missed one game but stayed mostly healthy overall.

Now Rodgers heads into another long offseason. He plans to take his retreats and think things through. He will not rush a decision, and it appears his time in Pittsburgh is already over.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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