Aaron Rodgers has yet to decide whether he wants to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason since entering free agency this offseason, choosing instead to keep himself busy by participating in various activities–including playing non-NFL flag football events near home.
Rodgers and Will Howard attended the Rx3 Foundation Charity Flag Football event held at Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, California. Rodgers is co-founder of Rx3, an experience-driven charitable event platform which brings together professional athletes, celebrities, partners, and sponsors through experience-driven charitable gatherings like this flag football tournament.
Alongside Rodgers, several other NFL stars participated, including Super Bowl LX champion Sam Darnold, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen. As a co-founder, Rodgers actively took part in the game.
Despite his involvement in flag football, questions loom over Rodgers’ future in the NFL. Last season, he demonstrated solid performance with over 3,300 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and a passer rating near 95—showing he still has the ability to perform at a high level despite his age.
With free agency advancing and the draft approaching, Rodgers’ decision may come soon. Meanwhile, the Steelers appear prepared to explore other options, including developing young quarterback Will Howard, whom Rodgers has taken under his wing.
Rodgers has expressed confidence in Howard’s potential, stating that he believes Howard has the personality and drive needed for a long NFL career. Rodgers also shared that he has offered support and guidance during drills and meetings to help Howard see the game from a seasoned perspective.
While Howard benefits from Rodgers’ mentorship, he has yet to take his first snap in an NFL game. The quarterback situation remains uncertain, prompting the Steelers to consider experienced veterans.
Steelers Show Interest in Veteran Quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo
Since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have struggled to find a long-term solution at quarterback. Although Rodgers has provided a temporary fix, the team still needs a permanent answer. With Rodgers’ future unclear, the franchise, led by head coach Mike McCarthy, has reportedly shifted attention toward veteran quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo, with a stronger interest in Cousins.
Kirk Cousins was called up from Washington last season due to another player’s injury before signing with Atlanta for four seasons at an estimated value of $180 Million. While in Washington he began as an outside linebacker before later playing for Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons before finally coming home this season.
The Steelers remain undecided on who their quarterback of choice should be even as they add talent in other areas such as signing running back Rico Dowdle. It remains uncertain whether they choose to bring back Aaron Rodgers or develop Howard further before signing Cousins as free agent free agency; ultimately this off-season could prove pivotal in making that determination. Until that decision has been made it’s too soon to tell where stability at such an essential position may lie for this Black and Gold squad.