Aaron Rodgers' Kentucky Derby appearance sparks new questions about his lingering NFL free agency saga
The 150th
Kentucky Derby
brought its usual glamor and fanfare to Churchill Downs, drawing in a host of celebrities and sports icons. But it was the appearance of one man—Aaron Rodgers—that reignited some of the NFL's most burning offseason questions. As the 41-year-old quarterback strolled through the crowd in a sleek gray suit and dark sunglasses, looking every bit the veteran star, the speculation surrounding his next football move only intensified.
Amid swirling NFL rumors, Aaron Rodgers enjoys a stylish day out at the Kentucky Derby
Aaron Rodgers, still a free agent after his short-lived stint with the New York Jets, was seen mingling with former Green Bay Packers teammates including Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, and David Bakhtiari at the Barnstable Brown Gala. While his presence at the event was star-studded in its own right, it's the lingering uncertainty about his 2025 plans that continues to keep NFL fans on edge.
— awfulannouncing (@awfulannouncing)
Many insiders believe that Rodgers' options have dramatically narrowed—perhaps even to a single team: the Pittsburgh Steelers. With other potential destinations like Minnesota now locked in on rookie J.J. McCarthy and the Jets having moved on, Pittsburgh seems to be the only serious contender remaining. The team's quarterback room currently includes Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and sixth-round draft pick Will Howard—none of whom offer the championship-caliber upside Rodgers still might.
NBC's Mike Tirico, speaking on Up & Adams, voiced his hope that Rodgers isn't done with football just yet. 'I hope not,' he said when asked if he'd already had his last production meeting with the veteran. He added, 'I would love to see that marriage… you don't need to score 30 with the Steelers – you need to score 22 or you need to score 19 – just get us down to position for a game-winning field goal. I still think he can do that often enough.'
While Rodgers hasn't made any public declarations, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and team owner Art Rooney II have reportedly engaged in multiple conversations with him. "That's certainly a possibility," Tomlin told NFL Network. 'We've had really productive talks with him, and I've enjoyed having productive talks with him and getting to know him.'
Rodgers himself, in a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, seemed to acknowledge the complexity of his decision-making process. 'I'm in a different phase of my life,' he said. 'I'm 41 years old, I'm in a serious relationship. I have off-the-field stuff going on that requires my attention... I'm attached to nothing.'
It's a stark reminder that Rodgers' decision won't be driven purely by football. But if the desire to compete still burns within, Pittsburgh—with its elite defense and a coach who commands respect—might offer the ideal setting for a final act.
As the days move deeper into May and the offseason winds down, Rodgers' future remains as suspenseful as a two-minute Derby sprint. But if there's any truth to the whispers and subtle signs, the black and gold may just be waiting to welcome one of the league's most legendary arms.
Also Read:
Ben Roethlisberger claims Aaron Rodgers is snubbing the Steelers while secretly waiting for a Vikings reunion
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