The Pittsburgh Steelers entered into a wild saga that had them waiting for Aaron Rodgers. All offseason, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan moved like they knew Rodgers was going to be their quarterback. Sure enough, Rodgers finally announced he would be joining the Steelers for $13.65 million.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin shakes hands with former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after a game as quarterback Russell Wilson looks on in the background.
Many Steelers fans were upset about the idea of bringing in a 41-year-old quarterback, worried he might demand a massive contract that would limit the team’s ability to build around him. Instead, Rodgers surprised many by agreeing to a deal well below what some expected, signaling that his priority was winning over securing the biggest possible payday.
On Friday, via 93.7 The Fan, a new report from former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden revealed just how far Rodgers went to make that happen. According to McFadden, Rodgers actually could have taken several million dollars more, but he chose not to. McFadden admitted he got a chance to sit down and interview Rodgers. During his time speaking with McFadden, Rodgers shared a lot of interesting details.
"He is seriously happy to be part of the Pittsburgh Steelers," McFadden told 93.7 The Fan on Friday. "Him joining the Pittsburgh Steelers was not about money. They are only giving him $13 million or something like that. And I got word that he actually could have gotten more."
In an era where big-name quarterbacks routinely secure record-setting contracts, Rodgers’ decision stands out as a calculated move to give Pittsburgh financial flexibility.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
His choice made it clear that he came to compete for a championship, not to limit the team’s options in building a contender.
"They were willing to offer more," McFadden said. "It would have been where the Steelers would have been willing to pay him more than he was actually receiving. Aaron was like, 'No man, this is what I would take and I just wanna play ball.' That tells me this is a guy who is all in. I love that because that's what our team was about when I was there."
By leaving money on the table, Rodgers ensured the Steelers could invest in key areas to strengthen the roster ahead of the 2025 season. With a defense already built to compete at an elite level and a supporting cast that could flourish with a steady, experienced hand at quarterback, the move could pay off in a big way.
Rodgers understands that his window to win another Super Bowl is closing, and he appears determined to make the most of what could be his final NFL chapter. For Pittsburgh, it is a gamble, but one that now feels more calculated than desperate. Steelers fans are going to be thrilled to hear that Rodgers actually saved the team several million dollars.
Steelers Fans Owe Aaron Rodgers A Very Real Apology
When the news broke about the pursuit of Rodgers, the Steelers fan base did not seem very happy. Many felt the team should simply commit to one of the 2024 quarterbacks in free agency, either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. Tomlin believed the opportunity to land Rodgers was too great to pass up. The financial aspect became a sticking point that frustrated fans, as they worried about the impact on the team’s salary cap.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers nods to acknowledge someone speaking in his direction.
Now, Steelers fans are getting more clarity about why Rodgers was the choice and just how serious he is about playing in the Steel City. Reports revealing that Rodgers left millions on the table have shifted the narrative, showing that his decision was about more than just the paycheck.
Rodgers is arriving in Pittsburgh with a clear goal of helping the team return to Super Bowl glory. By sacrificing a bigger contract to give the front office flexibility, he has already made a statement about his commitment to winning. For a franchise hungry to return to the NFL’s biggest stage, that kind of mindset could make all the difference.
Does the fact Rodgers didn't try to squeeze Pittsburgh for several extra millions mean anything to you as a fan? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.
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