(Image via Getty: Aaron Rodgers)

Aaron Rodgers, Ayahuasca retreat lover or “darkness retreat” lover, as named by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, signed a one-year contract worth $13.6 million with the Steelers for the 2025 season. In June, Rodgers told Pat McAfee that 2025 would be the final season of his storied NFL career. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal,” Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show. “This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had. I mean, I’ve played [—-] 20 years, you know? It’s been a long run, and I’ve enjoyed it. What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys and a city that expects you to win.”Then came the season in which, as of December, Rodgers accumulated impeccable stats: 65.2% completion percentage, 2086 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a 95.4 quarterback rating.

What comes after Pittsburgh Steelers’ dicey postseason for Aaron Rodgers?

As of Week 13, Pittsburgh has six wins and six losses. They have a 31% chance of making the NFL playoffs. If they win against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14, their odds rise to 62%. If they lose, their chances drop to 15%. If they win all four remaining games, their chances increase to 70-90%.Entering the postseason with a chance to fight for the Super Bowl would be Rodgers’ dream come true, but if not, he would become a free agent next season. Rumors have already started swirling. If he returns in the 2026 season and does not retire in 2025, he may join the Green Bay Packers’ rival, the Minnesota Vikings.

Kevin O’Connell, Brett Favre, and J.J. McCarthy linked to Aaron Rodgers

Two main factors reportedly attract the veteran quarterback to joining the Vikings. One is his long-standing friendship with Minnesota’s head coach, Kevin O’Connell, which has lasted 17 years. They used to work out at the same facility, Fitness Quest 10, in North County San Diego during the offseasons. Rodgers has called O’Connell a good friend and one of the guys he keeps in touch with. Another factor is that Rodgers was reportedly looking to retire NFL legend Brett Favre-style. Favre played for both the Packers and the Vikings. Rodgers began his NFL career with Green Bay in 2005.A third storyline centers on the Vikings’ ongoing quarterback woes and a season that has unraveled. J.J. McCarthy’s much-anticipated NFL regular season debut was once again hampered by injuries, though he managed to appear in six of thirteen games. His stats tell a tough story: a 54.1 percent completion rate, 929 passing yards, six touchdowns, ten interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 57.9. By nearly every measure, and in the eyes of many fans, McCarthy has become a symbol of disappointment for Minnesota. As December arrives, the Vikings sit at four wins and eight losses, their playoff hopes (< 1%) all but vanished, nearly extinguished by Week 13.

The Minnesota Vikings could be Aaron Rodgers’ 2026 season franchise

According to Evan Massey of The Sporting News, the Vikings were high on Aaron Rodgers’ list of potential teams for the 2025 offseason, with some reports even hinting he favored Minnesota over Pittsburgh. With J.J. McCarthy struggling in his rookie regular-season year as the Vikings’ starter, the stage could be set for Rodgers to swoop in, ignite a Super Bowl charge, and then make a memorable exit. Of course, this is all speculation. Rodgers could just as easily hang up his cleats after 2025. But if he decides to play on, Minnesota instantly becomes a team to watch. After his stellar performance this season, Rodgers is sure to dominate headlines after headlines throughout the 2026 offseason.Also Read: Aaron Rodgers’ Supposedly Troubled Relationships with Shailene Woodley, Olivia Munn, and Danica Patrick