Why Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned: Adam Schefter reveals the real reason behind 41-year-old QB's delay in signing contract

The football world remains on edge as Aaron Rodgers, the legendary former Green Bay Packers quarterback, weighs his options for the 2025 season. At 41 years old, Rodgers faces a pivotal career decision—one that could shape the future of any franchise he joins. With the Pittsburgh Steelers offering a clear path, the Minnesota Vikings subtly keeping the door ajar, and the possibility of retirement looming, the NFL offseason has become a waiting game for the four-time MVP.Pittsburgh Steelers has emerged as the frontrunner in the Rodgers sweepstakes. Head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers organization have extended a standing offer, providing Rodgers a chance to revitalize a historic franchise hungry for quarterback stability. However, despite engaging in discussions and reportedly having a positive meeting with Tomlin, Rodgers has yet to commit. ESPN’s Adam Schefter remarked on UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio, “They are in the dark.” This uncertainty reflects a familiar pattern with Rodgers—one where he carefully evaluates his options before making a decision.While the Steelers remain a viable destination, the holdup suggests Rodgers is keeping an eye on a different opportunity. Minnesota, despite its public commitment to J.J. McCarthy, remains a team of interest for the veteran quarterback.Rodgers has reportedly expressed a preference for joining the Minnesota Vikings, a move that would undoubtedly shake up the NFC North. However, the Vikings appear to be set on developing McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, as their future leader. Despite this, the team has yet to definitively rule out bringing Rodgers into the mix. “I think he's waiting to see, if over time, there's any sort of chance where the odds of signing in Minnesota increase and that opportunity could open up,” Schefter noted.Minnesota’s head coach Kevin O’Connell has publicly praised McCarthy’s development, but he also acknowledged that discussions with Rodgers did take place. “The second part that can be true is Aaron Rodgers is a four-time NFL MVP and somebody who, not just myself, but we’ve all had so much respect for competing against him,” O’Connell said via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. While this does not indicate an imminent signing, it does suggest the Vikings were at least willing to entertain the idea.Aaron Rodgers' two seasons with the New York Jets were anything but ideal. A devastating Achilles injury in 2023 derailed the team’s expectations, and even with a fully healthy Rodgers in 2024, the Jets struggled, finishing with a worse record than the previous season. His stats—3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a career-low passer rating—indicate that while he can still perform at a high level, his dominance has somewhat diminished.With Pittsburgh offering a direct path, Minnesota leaving the door slightly open, and the physical demands of the game weighing on him, retirement remains a legitimate consideration. Schefter summed up the situation succinctly: “Those are Aaron Rodgers' three choices: Play for Pittsburgh, wait to see if there's another opportunity, a la Minnesota, that does, in time, open up or retire.”Also Read: Aaron Rodgers spotted working out with DK Metcalf—should Steelers fans be paying attention?As the offseason progresses, all eyes will remain on Aaron Rodgers. Whether he chooses to don the black and gold, hold out for a last-minute Vikings opportunity, or walk away from the game entirely, his decision will have major implications for the NFL landscape in 2025.