Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned as the 2025 season approaches, and the Pittsburgh Steelers appear to still be exploring their options at quarterback. Despite being a four-time MVP, Rodgers has yet to publicly commit to playing next season, leaving his future in limbo.
However, with parts of the 2025 NFL schedule starting to leak out, there’s already a tantalizing possibility: if Rodgers were to sign with the Steelers, he’d be set for a high-profile revenge game against his former team, the New York Jets. It’s a storyline that would instantly add major intrigue to the season—and potentially provide Rodgers with the kind of motivation he’s known to thrive on.
According to reports from Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team and YouTuber Matt O’Leary, the Steelers are slated to open the 2025 season on the road against the New York Jets in Week 1.
If Aaron Rodgers ends up signing with Pittsburgh, it would set the stage for a dramatic return to MetLife Stadium—giving him a prime opportunity to quiet his New York critics right out of the gate. But the revenge narrative wouldn’t be one-sided: Jets quarterback Justin Fields, traded from Pittsburgh earlier this offseason, would also be looking to make a statement against his former team.
It’s a potential Week 1 matchup packed with storylines—one that could instantly become one of the most talked-about games of the opening weekend.
“Fascinating: The Jets will open the season at home against the Steelers in a game that could feature Justin Fields facing his former team — and possibly Aaron Rodgers doing the same. Matt O’Leary on it first.”
Aaron Rodgers’ time with the Jets, while headline-grabbing, ultimately fell far short of expectations. The 41-year-old quarterback arrived in New York to massive fanfare, with many believing his presence instantly elevated the team to AFC contender status. Hopes were sky-high.
But things unraveled quickly. Whether due to injury, off-field drama, or unmet expectations, Rodgers’ tenure with the Jets turned into a disappointment almost from the outset. Now, with rumors swirling about a potential signing in Pittsburgh, the possibility of a Week 1 return to MetLife Stadium adds yet another dramatic twist to what has already been a rollercoaster storyline.
If Rodgers takes the field in black and gold, that season opener against the Jets could become one of the most emotionally charged and watched games of the year.
Aaron Rodgers’ first season with the Jets was a disaster from the start. After suffering a torn Achilles in his debut game, he was sidelined for the entire 2023 season. However, he made a comeback in 2024, putting up respectable numbers. Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, completing 63.0% of his passes.
Despite these solid individual stats, the team struggled mightily, finishing the 2024 season with a disappointing 5-12 record. His production didn’t translate into team success, and the Jets’ hopes of becoming contenders in the AFC quickly faded.
After a tumultuous 2024 season, the Jets made the decision to reset, firing head coach Robert Saleh midway through the year. The organization opted for a fresh start and released Aaron Rodgers at the end of the season. Since then, the Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as a potential landing spot for the Super Bowl XLV-winning quarterback.
As of now, Rodgers remains unsigned, and the Steelers’ quarterback room consists of Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard. However, reports suggest that Pittsburgh is actively looking to add another veteran quarterback this offseason, and Rodgers is very much in the mix. That said, there are still rumblings that the Steelers could pursue a trade for Kirk Cousins from the Minnesota Vikings or potentially sign another available free agent. The offseason quarterback market remains fluid, and Pittsburgh’s next move will be closely watched.
