The 2025 NFL season could be Aaron Rodgers’ last stand with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After 20 years, the legendary quarterback admitted that he’s “pretty sure” this will be his last NFL season. That statement will dominate the headlines as a promising new venture in Pittsburgh has suddenly turned into a potential farewell tour for Rodgers.
But there’s a New England Patriots twist that comes with all of this, especially for those hoping to see the team pull off a dream trade for seven-time Pro Bowl edge rusher T.J. Watt. If the Steelers are aware this is Rodgers’ last ride, their decision to sign him to a one-year deal might have tipped their approach to the 2025 season.
Perhaps the Steelers are putting all of their chips on the table with the Rodgers signing and going all in for a final Super Bowl run. If that’s the case, they likely wouldn’t be in the market for moving on from one of the best defensive players in the league.
“I’m pretty sure this is it. That’s why we just did a one-year deal,” Rodgers admitted on The Pat McAfee Show. “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 freaking 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?”
The Patriots still lead the league with $60.6 million in available cap space, per Over the Cap. So they have plenty of money to spend if they wanted to make another splash signing.
If they were to trade for Watt, they’d likely want an extension in place before sending assets to the Steelers. However, that move seems even more unlikely now than it already was before Rodgers’ comments.
The Patriots are slated to face the Steelers in Foxborough in a Week 3 matchup on September 21.
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