Rampant Theory About The Steelers And Aaron Rodgers Is Completely Shut Down

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through the same process they did back in the 2025 offseason as the organization is waiting on a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The fan base was told that the decision would not be long and drawn out during the 2026 offseason, but that is exactly what it has turned out to be. Many assumed Rodgers would make his intentions clear before the start of free agency. The "deadline" keeps getting pushed back, but Art Rooney II made it clear that he expects a decision from Rodgers prior to the 2026 NFL Draft.

A decision from Rodgers is going to give the fan base some needed clarity on what to expect from the 2026 season. If he decides to return, the season should be somewhat similar to how things went in 2025. If Mason Rudolph or Will Howard are forced to start, things could go much differently, but there would be a ton of excitement around Howard getting an opportunity. The fans were already supposed to know what would be going on at the quarterback position by this part of the offseason, but there has been some sort of holdup.

It has been hypothesized that the financial side of a potential contract could be what is holding things up. Rodgers could want a slight raise from what he was paid during the 2025 season, and that could be a point of contention between the two sides. Former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch said that he heard Rodgers wanted $30 million, which is a rumor that beat writer Mark Kaboly put to bed during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan on Monday.

"Yeah, I don't know where you get that from," Kaboly said. "I mean I'm not [disputing] his sources or anything like that, but Aaron Rodgers, I don't think is going to come out and tell anybody, 'I want $30 million.' At least I don't think he would. What I was under the impression is that they felt that the contract was going to be very similar [to] what it was last year and that was not going to be an issue whatsoever. Maybe things have changed."

There have been several different theories surrounding Rodgers and the Steelers when it comes to why a decision has not been made yet. The financial side of a contract being a problem seems hard to believe. The quarterback has said several times since signing during the 2025 season that money does not matter, and it is hard to believe it would all of a sudden be an issue.

There is a chance that the decision taking this long doesn't really need an explanation. The four-time league MVP could just be having a hard time deciding what to do with his future. He has been in the NFL since 2005, and it is not going to be easy to just walk away from the game. Kaboly spoke more about the situation between Rodgers and the Steelers, and he doubled down on the notion that money is not an issue.

"He came out almost immediately and said that money is not an issue, he did not say that in his hour and 15 minutes with [Pat] McAfee," Kaboly said. "I just find it hard to believe that a guy who is willing to play for $13-$14 million bucks, plus incentives last year, all of a sudden says he wants $30 million."

Kaboly's thought process makes sense. Rodgers said he would have played for $10 million last year, so him coming back and demanding $30 million seems a little far-fetched. 

Steelers' Cap Situation Is Not As Great As It Seems

As of right now, the Steelers have roughly $27 million in cap space for the 2026 season. That number can change with some restructured deals and other roster moves, but it currently sits at roughly $27 million. It is important to consider that some of that money is being reserved for a potential Rodgers signing, while the Steelers also need to keep some of that cap space in order to remain flexible throughout training camp and ahead of the trade deadline during the 2026 season.

What do you think about Kaboly's thoughts? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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