Aaron Rodgers’ next move off the field could be as seismic as any Hail Mary he’s thrown. After two turbulent seasons with the Jets and a roller-coaster free-agency period, the four-time MVP’s plans for his $28 million Malibu retreat are drawing as much attention as his next quarterback gig. Rumors of a Steelers agreement swirl, casting a long shadow over the beachfront estate he and Danica Patrick snapped up in late 2019. Almost…
Now, before you bookmark your flights to the Pacific Coast Highway, consider what Malibu really means to Rodgers. The Mediterranean-style villa—complete with a guesthouse, media room, and private beach access—has represented more than just a weekend getaway. The Mediterranean-style home symbolized Rodgers’ career highs—Super Bowl glory in Green Bay—and career lows—season-ending injuries—as paparazzi and Instagram flashes fractured its tranquility.
Then came his latest appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Midway through a sprawling conversation on politics and plate tectonics, Rogan steered the talk to Rodgers’ California life. “I think I’m going to get out,” Rodgers said flatly, voice low over the studio mic. Rogan pressed, “Where you at now?” Rodgers replied, “Malibu.” Rogan laughed, “Yeah, get the f— out of there.” It was the clearest hint yet that Rodgers might be ready to sell his ocean-view digs. Just as quickly, he conceded that Malibu had its perks. “It is pretty impressive,” he admitted, praising California’s resilience through forest fires and COVID lockdowns.
But when Rogan quipped about “beautiful houses in the ghetto,” Rodgers didn’t disagree. The subtext was unmistakable: the mansion might look like paradise, but paradise can feel poisonous when you’ve outgrown it. No official listing has appeared—and insiders say Rodgers values privacy over profit. Yet real-estate insiders note that the estate’s recent valuations leave plenty of equity to fund whatever comes next. Meanwhile, as Rodgers weighs his property options, Pittsburgh’s quarterback conundrum has only intensified.
Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers matched their mark from the 2023 season but sputtered to a four-game skid—and a 28–14 playoff loss to Baltimore. Despite a top-ten defense (20.4 Pts/G allowed) and a mid-season three-game winning streak, the offense ranked a middling 16th (22.4 Pts/G). Contract whispers peg a one-year deal in the $10 million range—less than what Russell Wilson earned but more control over Arthur Smith’s offense, per NFL insiders.
Aaron Rodgers’ next move: From Malibu to Steel City?
The Steelers brass have been leaving deliberate breadcrumbs. In March, Pittsburgh’s front office arranged for Rodgers to throw with DK Metcalf at UCLA. Word is, coach Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers share a mutual respect, despite never working together. The workout wasn’t just a favor—it was an audition. Owner Art Rooney II all but confirmed the intrigue at the NFL meetings: “We keep hearing that he’s headed in our direction,” he told reporters. “All signs are positive so far.”
Those words landed louder than a two-point conversion in Heinz Field. That leaves two big questions: jersey number and system fit. No. 12 has legendary weight in Pittsburgh—Terry Bradshaw never relinquished it, and the franchise has quietly kept it out of circulation. Rodgers wore No. 8 in New York and said he looks forward to carrying on the Steelers’ tradition. On paper, Pittsburgh’s QB room needs exactly what Rodgers offers.
Mason Rudolph completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 2024 (80.12 rating); Skylar Thompson threw just 187 yards with a 78.72 rating in spot duty; even newly drafted Will Howard landed at No. 185 overall, a third-day flyer who needs development. Rodgers’ 2024 line—3,897 yards, 28 TDs, 11 INTs—already dwarfs those backups. And let’s not forget Pittsburgh’s 10-7, Wild-Card–exit season. Rodgers’ penchant for late-game heroics could be the antidote.
And if you doubt the lure of Pittsburgh, Packers coach Matt LaFleur bets Rodgers ends up there: “I think he’ll land with the Steelers” he told Up & Adams—despite no formal paperwork. Behind the scenes, Rodgers has met Steelers executives for dinner, according to league sources. He even requested a tour of the Steelers’ complex—twice—citing a desire to see the training facilities before any pen hits paper. That level of due diligence is rare for a half-year-removed free agent.
If Rodgers and the Steelers align, we could see the league’s most intriguing tandem since Lombardi and Starr. But selling that Malibu mansion—trading surf for steel—would be the ultimate signal that Rodgers is all-in on Pittsburgh. Regardless of where he plants his cleats, one thing’s clear: Aaron Rodgers is gearing up for a season that could redefine his legacy—and his real-estate portfolio.
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