Steelers player shuts down Aaron Rodgers rumors with brutal retirement jab

NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be looking for a new home this offseason after his soon-to-be former team decided to part ways with him in what appears to be somewhat of a mutual decision.

There will be no shortage of teams looking for quarterback help this offseason, and in what is expected to be a weak QB market, one would think Rodgers would garner plenty of interest. It might not be that simple, however.

Finding a landing spot for Rodgers could be tricky given his age, injury history, and obvious off-field baggage. Part of the reason the Jets are moving on relates to his influence over the organization and the pedestal he was placed on by the previous regime.

Any discussion about a potential destination for Rodgers must consider that the fit needs to be mutual. The team must be interested in acquiring Rodgers, and Rodgers must be willing to play for that team.

One team that's been proposed as a landing spot is the Pittsburgh Steelers, but for multiple reasons, that seems unlikely at this stage. Just ask Steelers safety DeShon Elliott.

DeShon Elliott wants no part of Aaron Rodgers on the Steelers

In response to rumors linking his team to Rodgers this offseason, Elliott didn't mince words. He replied to an Instagram post about the rumor by commenting, "Leave his a— at the retirement home."

The Steelers have been considered one of the top contenders to land Rodgers this offseason, with some betting odds placing them as high as +200. However, Elliott's comments could complicate the possibility of a union between the two sides.

Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are set to become free agents this offseason, and Pittsburgh is expected to let at least one of them walk. It’s possible the team sees Rodgers as an upgrade over both quarterbacks.

That said, it’s worth considering how Rodgers would fit into the Steelers organization. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin is known for his no-nonsense approach, and if the Jets weren’t willing to accommodate Rodgers’ demands, it’s unlikely the Steelers would.

The Jets reportedly informed Rodgers that if he were to return in 2025, he would need to attend every part of the offseason program and every practice, while also ending his weekly appearances on The Pat McAfee Show.

Rodgers and the Jets had differing philosophies on the future of the organization, and it likely had something to do with those requests. Rodgers is far more than just a quarterback — his presence in an organization comes with a significant influence that extends beyond the field.

Signing Aaron Rodgers isn't just about adding a future Hall of Famer — it's about embracing the baggage and influence that comes with one of the most iconic and polarizing figures in sports.

Unfortunately, given his age, injury history, and declining performance, many teams likely view the potential distractions and complexities as outweighing the reward. The Steelers will probably feel the same way, and it seems one of their players already does.

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