Far from the bright lights of New York and the football buzz of Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers found solitude on the sun-kissed shores of Malibu this week. The four-time NFL MVP was spotted wrapped in a towel, staring pensively at the ocean, a picture of deep contemplation as the football world waits for his next move.
Rodgers, 41, remains the biggest name left on the free-agent quarterback market after the Jets officially released him on Wednesday. The team absorbed a staggering $49 million in dead cap to part ways with the veteran signal-caller, pivoting to former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields as their next starter.
Now, the question is: what’s next for Rodgers? The Steelers and Giants have expressed interest, both eager to secure a proven leader under center. However, some insiders believe the former Super Bowl champion could be weighing retirement after 20 seasons in the league.
Rodgers’ storied career began in Green Bay, where he played 18 seasons, won four MVP awards, and hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in 2011. But his move to New York in 2023 quickly turned into a nightmare. Just four snaps into his highly anticipated Jets debut, Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles, sidelining him for the entire season.
RELATED: Adam Schefter Expresses Frustration Over Aaron Rodgers’ Prolonged Free Agency Saga
He made a full recovery and returned in 2024, but the Jets struggled mightily, finishing with a disappointing 5-12 record. Rodgers played all 17 games, throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Despite his solid numbers, the team’s offensive struggles and mounting internal frustrations led to his abrupt departure.
Now, with free agency in full swing, Rodgers remains the biggest domino yet to fall. Reports suggest the Steelers have already made him an offer, hoping to bring in a veteran presence to stabilize their offense.
Meanwhile, the Giants are also in the mix, evaluating whether Rodgers could be the upgrade they need under center.
However, Rodgers isn’t the only quarterback in the spotlight. Former Steelers and Broncos QB Russell Wilson is also a free agent, visiting the Browns on Thursday and set to meet with the Giants on Friday. Wilson, 36, played 11 games in Pittsburgh last season, posting 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just five interceptions before being released.
In the meantime, the Steelers made another quarterback move, bringing back a familiar face in Mason Rudolph. The veteran backup, who spent six seasons in Pittsburgh before signing with the Titans last March, returns to a team that is still waiting on Rodgers’ decision.
With options on the table and retirement still a possibility, Rodgers’ beachside reflection in Malibu could signal that he is taking his time to make what could be the final decision of his Hall of Fame career.
Whether he suits up for one more season or chooses to walk away, the NFL world remains on edge, waiting for the next chapter in the Aaron Rodgers saga.