Aaron Rodgers’ future in the NFL remains uncertain following his split from the New York Jets, but one thing is clear: not everyone is eager to welcome him to their team. Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott made headlines after brutally trolling the four-time MVP on social media, dismissing any notion of Rodgers joining the Steelers for the 2025 season.
Elliott’s Bold Statement
On an Instagram post from NFL aggregator @JPAFootball, which noted the Steelers as the betting favorites to land Rodgers, Elliott made his feelings clear. He commented, “Leave his ass at the retirement home,” a remark that was later deleted but quickly caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. The comment was highlighted by a Steelers fan account on X (formerly Twitter), sparking debates about Rodgers’ future.
Steelers’ Quarterback Situation
The Steelers have yet to finalize their quarterback plans for the upcoming season, as neither of their 2024 starters—Russell Wilson and Justin Fields—are currently under contract. Team owner Art Rooney II previously stated that the team is considering bringing back one of the two but likely not both. With Rodgers now available, speculation had begun to swirl about whether Pittsburgh would pursue the veteran quarterback.
However, Elliott’s strong reaction suggests that not everyone in the Steelers’ locker room is on board with the idea. This is not the first time Elliott has made controversial social media comments—earlier in the season, he was asked to take down a post referring to head coach Mike Tomlin as “Osama Bin Tomlin.”
Rodgers’ Rocky Exit from the Jets
Rodgers’ departure from the New York Jets came after an underwhelming tenure marred by injuries and underperformance. The Jets had originally hoped he would be the missing piece in their Super Bowl aspirations, but a season-ending Achilles injury in his debut game in 2023 derailed those hopes. The following season, Rodgers returned, but the team struggled to a 5-12 record, leading to a regime change with the hiring of Aaron Glenn as head coach and Darren Mougey as general manager.
Reports suggest that team owner Woody Johnson had seen enough and was ready to absorb the financial hit of moving on from Rodgers, even with a $49 million dead cap cost. The Jets officially informed Rodgers of their decision to part ways after a face-to-face meeting earlier this offseason.
Potential Landing Spots for Rodgers
With the Jets behind him, Rodgers is now looking for a new home. The Steelers, Raiders, and Titans have been floated as potential destinations, but Elliott’s harsh comments cast doubt on Pittsburgh’s interest. NFL analyst Shannon Sharpe and former wide receiver Chad Ochocinco have also questioned whether Rodgers’ offseason habits—such as skipping minicamp and traveling to Egypt—could be a red flag for teams considering signing him.
Rodgers, 41, has yet to indicate any plans for retirement, but his next move remains uncertain. As teams assess their quarterback situations ahead of the 2025 season, the future Hall of Famer must prove he is still committed to the game—if he wants to continue his NFL career.
Final Thoughts
Rodgers’ split from the Jets marks the end of a tumultuous chapter, but his journey is far from over. While the Steelers were initially seen as frontrunners to land him, Elliott’s blunt dismissal raises serious doubts. Whether Rodgers can find a new team—or if his time in the NFL is coming to an end—will be one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.
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