Ina joint press conference Tuesday morning, Tomlin dismissed questions about Rodgers potentially signing with the Steelers if he feels like playing football in 2025 and general manager Omar Khan said the team, as usual, will carry four quarterbacks into offseason workouts. “All options are on the table to acquire those last two [quarterbacks],” Khan said, opening the possibility of the Steelers selecting a QB in the first round of the draft. With Shedeur Sanders likely to fall well outside the top ten picks, Pittsburgh could be a good fit, unless they intend to go into 2025 with Mason Rudolph as the team’s unquestioned Week 1 starter.

In a wide-ranging discussion with McAfee, Rodgers said that he is still contemplating whether to play in 2025 or retire this offseason, though he has settled on a $10 million asking price, should he choose to stick around. Rodgers repeatedly, yet ambiguously, emphasized that caring for troubled members of his “inner circle” has been his offseason priority. Rodgers spoke positively of his recent visit with the Steelers, praising head coach Mike Tomlin, OC Arthur Smith, GM Omar Khan, QB coach Tom Arth and WR DK Metcalf, whom he called “a specimen” and a “great dude.” Rodgers downplayed reports about pitching Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on a union, saying much ado has been made about two old “friends” remaining in regular contact. The free agent QB also notably complimented Giants head coach Brian Daboll’s “beautiful football mind” but kept Giants-talk relatively succinct. Rodgers made clear that the rapidly approaching 2025 NFL Draft will have no bearing on his decision-making timeline, and he understands if the Steelers determine that they must move on without him. In short, it appears as though Rodgers will either sign with the Steelers or move on from football. The enigmatic quarterback gave few indications as to which direction he is leaning.

Kinkhabwala has had conversations with Rodgers and executives around the league trying to sign him. Based on those conversations, she says, “it’s extremely clear Rodgers is not going to play just for the sake of playing.” He remains unsigned with the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon and multiple teams needing quarterback help. The Steelers are the most likely fit, but it seems Rodgers won’t force it if he does not find a good fit. This explains why Rodgers has been interested in the Vikings and has not yet signed. The 41-year-old may be headed for retirement if a situation he prefers, like the Vikings, does not want him back. His options remain limited and Rodgers may call it a career if he still does not like his options later in the offseason.

It was Rodgers who initiated the talks as he waffles between signing with the Steelers or waiting on the Vikings to show real interest. “Rodgers and O’Connell spoke multiple times, and O’Connell relayed those conversations to key decision-makers,” Seifert said. “That prompted several days of discussions about what it would look like to add Rodgers and push back McCarthy’s timetable to the 2026 season.” It very much appears Rodgers wants to complete the so-called Favre Cycle and finish his NFL career with the Vikings after a forgettable stint with the Jets. The Vikings are expected to evaluate J.J. McCarthy — returning from a knee injury that wiped out his rookie campaign — during offseason workouts. If they have questions about McCarthy’s progress, the Vikings could begin a real pursuit of Rodgers, 41. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor said Rodgers “could wait for another team to come calling in the event of an injury” or simply call it a career if he doesn’t like his options in the coming weeks and months.