As the 2025 NFL season begins to take shape, a major headline continues to capture attention across the league: the rumored Handshake Deal between four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While many teams have solidified their quarterback lineups following the draft, Rodgers remains an outlier both because of his unmatched experience and the circumstances surrounding his future.
Despite being 41, Rodgers hasn’t officially retired. Instead, he’s navigating a personal chapter in life that includes off-the-field commitments and a shift in priorities.
Still, there are growing indications that he’s eyeing a return, and it seems increasingly likely that the Steelers will be his destination.
Rodgers and the Path to Pittsburgh
To understand how we got here, it’s worth revisiting Rodgers’ recent statements. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, he made it clear that money isn’t a motivating factor.
“I said I’ll play for $10 million. Whatever. I’m open to anything and attached to nothing,” he said, while also acknowledging that retirement is still on the table.
Rodgers emphasized he’s in a “different phase” of his life, citing a serious relationship and personal responsibilities as top priorities. These remarks offer insight into why he hasn’t made a definitive announcement yet.
Even so, league insiders believe there’s already a Handshake Deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, an informal agreement that will be finalized once Rodgers is ready to commit.
Why the Steelers Make Sense
Handshake Deal With Rodgers Could Reshape the Steelers’ Future
Although some NFL teams once speculated as possible landing spots for Rodgers, including the Vikings and the Giants, those doors have since closed. The Giants moved swiftly, securing Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and rookie Jaxson Dart. Meanwhile, the Vikings are investing fully in JJ McCarthy, supported by Sam Howell.
In contrast, the Steelers have a quarterback room that lacks a proven starter. They recently drafted Will Howard from Ohio State in the sixth round, and while he shows promise, he’s still viewed as a developmental talent.
Currently, Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are the only other QBs on the roster, neither of whom has firmly established themselves as franchise players.
Given this, the arrival of Rodgers would not only stabilize the Steelers’ offense but also provide a critical mentor for Howard. By learning under Rodgers, Howard could eventually develop into a reliable starter, giving the franchise long-term value beyond the short-term impact Rodgers could provide.
What This Means for the League
Bringing Rodgers back into the mix reshapes the AFC narrative. Even though he’s nearing the twilight of his career, he’s still capable of delivering elite-level performances.
Rodgers’ presence could elevate the Steelers into immediate playoff contention, especially in a division that features tough rivals like the Bengals, Ravens, and Browns.
Furthermore, Rodgers brings more than just talent to the table. His leadership, playoff experience, and understanding of complex defenses could be a significant boost to a young Steelers squad.
Although his health and ability to endure a full season remain unknown, the potential rewards far outweigh the risks for Pittsburgh.
The Handshake Deal might be unofficial now, but signs indicate that it’s only a matter of time before it becomes formal. That timing depends largely on when Rodgers feels ready, both mentally and emotionally, to take the field again.
Personal Life and Professional Balance
Throughout this process, Rodgers has been unusually candid about his personal life. He has acknowledged having obligations that came unexpectedly, and he has spoken openly about the importance of his current relationship and spiritual commitments.
This transparency humanizes him in a way we rarely see in sports, where athletes often downplay such matters.
Still, despite his introspective tone, Rodgers hasn’t ruled out another run at greatness. And while retirement remains a possibility, everything points to him returning under the right conditions, and Pittsburgh may very well be those conditions.
Expert Editorial Comment
The rumored Handshake Deal between Rodgers and the Steelers may not be official, but all available signs point to it becoming a reality soon.
It’s a move that makes sense for both sides: Pittsburgh needs a seasoned leader, and Rodgers may be seeking one final opportunity to end his storied career on his terms.
Should he make his return, the NFL landscape will once again shift. And for fans of the Steelers, it could mean the dawn of a new era, one built not just on youthful potential, but on the wisdom and fire of a living legend.