Aaron Rodgers, 42, plans to retire after the 2026 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, dubbing it his “Last Dance.” However, Sports Illustrated’s Connor Orr predicts this won’t be the case. He suggests that if the Steelers miss the playoffs with a nine-win season, Rodgers may seek opportunities with teams he respects, such as the Packers or Rams, instead of retiring. Despite the Steelers bolstering their roster this offseason, Orr anticipates they will fall short of the playoffs in 2026.

By the Numbers
  • Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers after announcing 2026 would be his final season.
  • Pittsburgh is expected to achieve nine wins but miss the playoffs.
Yes, But

While Rodgers intends to retire after 2026, there are strong opinions suggesting he could extend his career, particularly if he seeks a new team after another unsuccessful season in Pittsburgh.

State of Play
  • The Steelers added key players such as wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and running back Rico Dowdle to their roster.
  • Orr predicts the Ravens will win the AFC North and places significant emphasis on the Bengals' Joe Burrow as a potential MVP.
What's Next

As the 2026 season unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Steelers perform and whether Rodgers considers another team for the 2027 season, depending on their success and his personal aspirations.

Bottom Line

Despite his retirement plans, Aaron Rodgers' future may hinge on the Steelers' performance; if they struggle, a new chapter with a different team could be on the horizon. Staying flexible might be key for Rodgers as he evaluates where to play after Pittsburgh.