Aaron Rodgers Told NFL Teams He'd Play for $10M Contract, Retirement is 'Possibility'

In his first public comments since being released by the New York Jets in March, Aaron Rodgers is still contemplating his future.

Appearing on Thursday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers said he has told teams interested in signing him that he would play for $10 million before saying "retirement could still be a possibility.

Rodgers explained his NFL future is uncertain due to "some off the field stuff" and some "people in my inner circle who are really battling some difficult stuff."

Rodgers also pushed back on the narrative that he was seeking $30 million to sign with a team.

Michael Silver, Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported on March 15 that Rodgers was seeking a deal in the "same general range" of Sam Darnold's contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with Seattle ($33.5 million average annual salary). The Athletic's report noted Rodgers' asking price was "not expected to be a major stumbling block" for teams.

Russini reported around the same time that the New York Giants were believed to have offered Rodgers the most lucrative contract.

The Giants have pivoted by signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to be their top two quarterbacks for the 2025 season. The Minnesota Vikings, who at least at one point were reportedly Rodgers' preferred landing spot, are moving forward with J.J. McCarthy while not totally closing the door on bringing in the four-time MVP.

With the Giants and Vikings likely out of the mix, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the last of the obvious landing spots for Rodgers.

CBS Sports' Aditi Kinkhabwala noted on Wednesday the feeling from team executives who have tried signing Rodgers this offseason is it's "extremely clear" he won't play unless there is a realistic chance for him to win a Super Bowl in 2025.

We won't know if the Steelers fall into that category unless Rodgers signs with them, but they would presumably like an answer within the next seven days before the start of the NFL draft.

The Steelers' quarterback depth chart right now consists of Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. They might look to add another signal-caller in the draft even with Rodgers given his age, but what round they actively pursue one could change depending on whether or not he is on the roster.

For now, though, the wait to find out if Rodgers is going to keep playing or retire after 20 seasons in the NFL will continue.