The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the headlines nearly every day as the franchise once again is spending an offseason waiting for a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The four-time league MVP is deciding on whether or not he wants to continue his playing career, and if he does decide to, it would likely be with the Steelers. There doesn't seem to be any other landing spots for him around the league, so if he plays in 2026, it will probably be for another one-year deal in the Steel City. A large portion of the fan base is fed up with this waiting game, while others are aware that he is likely the best option at quarterback for Pittsburgh.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins.
Nothing has been officially announced about Rodgers' future, and it is hard to trust any of the reporting about what he might be thinking as he keeps his circle tight. It is fair to assume that the Steelers might want a decision before the 2026 NFL Draft, but the organization has not publicly stated that there is any sort of deadline. Rodgers did not sign until June during the 2025 offseason. He signed a one-year deal worth $13.65 million at that point. $10 million of that was paid as a signing bonus, while his base salary was $3.65 million. He also received a $500,000 bonus for clinching a playoff berth.
Throughout the 2026 offseason, the assumption has been that Rodgers would play for a price that is similar to last season's. Beat writer Gerry Dulac was asked about the veteran quarterback's price tag during his chat for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Wednesday, and he made it seem like Rodgers may want more money in 2026.
"If he played for under $20 million last year, I expect it to be under $25 million this year," Dulac wrote. "And that's cheap for a starting NFL QB not on his rookie contract."
Dulac wasn't stating that Rodgers has asked for more money; he was just stating that he could want more without breaking the bank. $25 million is very cheap for a starting quarterback in the NFL nowadays, and it is something that the Steelers could afford. Pittsburgh is currently projected to have between $25 million and $30 million in cap space, and more space can still be created with some restructures.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph in the locker room before a Week 3 matchup with the New England Patriots during the 2025 season.
It is also worth noting that Rodgers has been very transparent and honest with how he feels about money. He knows he has made more than he could ever imagine throughout his NFL career, and he is constantly giving to various charities, being generous with what he has earned. After signing with Pittsburgh during the 2025 offseason, he went on The Pat McAfee Show and stated that he would have signed with Pittsburgh for less. There is no real reason to suggest that he would want more money to return to Pittsburgh in 2026, as long as the roster has improved.
Rodgers did play well last year for Pittsburgh, and he was a big reason the franchise was able to win the AFC North for the first time since the 2020 season. He could ask for money if he wanted to.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers points towards the camera during a home game in the Steel City of Pittsburgh.
Steelers Still Have Room To Improve Roster
The Steelers can still sign Rodgers and have enough money for the 2026 draft class while also improving other areas of the roster. This would likely be done via free agency, although the market has dried up a little bit over the least few weeks. It would be wise to add some depth in some areas of the roster, but the team will probably wait until after the 2026 NFL Draft to get a better idea of what the roster might look like heading into training camp.
What do you think Rodgers might want with a new contract for 2026? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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