As of the 2025 offseason, Aaron Rodgers has not announced retirement and remains an active NFL quarterback, though he is without a team following the expiration of his contract with the New York Jets. At 39 years old, Rodgers faces an open market for the first time since 2018, with age, recent performance trends, prior injuries, and contract history shaping the conversation about what comes next. Below is a fact-first breakdown of his current status and what to watch to determine whether retirement is on the horizon.
Contract and Team Status in 2025
Rodgers entered 2025 as a free agent after declining a restructured, incentivized deal with the Jets during the 2024 season. In 2023, he signed a one-year, $25 million contract with New York; no long-term extension was reached before the 2024 free agency period began. At present, no team has signed him, and there is no official retirement announcement. His decision to test the market, rather than accept a backup or incentive-heavy role, is a common precursor to either retirement or a final playing run for veteran quarterbacks.
Age, Durability, and Performance Trajectory
Rodgers was born in 1983 and turned 39 during the 2024 season, placing him among the oldest quarterbacks in the league. While his 2023 statistics showed efficiency in limited action, his overall durability has declined since 2020, when he suffered an Achilles tear. Follow-up injuries to his collarbone and abdominal issues in 2022 and 2023 further raised durability questions. When combined with the typical physical decline associated with age, these factors often weigh heavily in a veteran’s choice between continuing to play and retiring.
2023 Performance Snapshot
| Metric | 2023 Value | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 2,072 | Official NFL Stats |
| Touchdowns | 11 | Official NFL Stats |
| Interceptions | 6 | Official NFL Stats |
| Completion Percentage | 69.8% | Official NFL Stats |
| Quarterback Rating | 97.6 | Official NFL Stats |
Historical Patterns Among Veteran Quarterbacks
NFL quarterbacks in their late 30s typically reach a decision point based on a combination of health, team situation, and personal incentives. Some, like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, extended their careers with a mix of team changes, contract flexibility, and sustained performance. Others, such as Drew Brees and Russell Wilson, stepped away at comparable ages after losing starting roles or facing unresolved injury concerns. Rodgers’ path will likely follow one of these templates, with public indicators such as contract negotiations, workout visibility, and conversations with general managers helping to clarify his intent.
Public Indicators and Next Steps to Watch
For observers trying to predict whether Rodgers will retire, the following signals carry the most weight over time:
- Team interest: A signed contract, reported schedule visits, or structured minicamp participation suggests continued playing intent.
- Training camp appearance: Physically arriving and competing in drills is a strong indicator against retirement.
- Contract structure: A fully guaranteed, incentive-light deal is more consistent with staying active; a heavily back-loaded or incentive-heavy deal can imply either a final run or a pathway to release.
- Health updates: Clear communication from Rodgers or his representatives about lingering injuries reduces uncertainty.
- Media statements: Direct comments to reputable outlets that clarify retirement versus exploring options help anchor expectations.