Steelers May Have To Endure A Hidden Handshake Deal In Order To Sign Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing the waiting game again with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The future Hall of Famer is taking his sweet time in signing a deal for a second year in a row. Rodgers started in all but one game in 2025 and led Pittsburgh to an AFC North title and a home playoff game. His stats didn't jump off the board, but his accuracy, decision-making, and game management kept the Black and Gold in games. The front office clearly wants him back, not only because of his play, but to aid in the development of the team's two young signal-callers. 

The Steelers brass gave out a deadline or target of the 2026 NFL Draft for Rodgers to sign; he obviously did not. Now, the rumors are circulating on whether or not he went to Pittsburgh to work out a deal or just to golf. The Steelers have not officially met with Rodgers yet this offseason. Some believe this could be over money. He played on a relatively cheap deal in 2025, especially based on his play. He could want a payment increase, but it may not be that simple. He is also rumored to want to sit out of OTAs based on his age and experience level, and that will allow the young guys to get reps. 

Through all of these different reasons for Rodgers not signing yet, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio gave a very obscure reason for the wait. Florio believes that there could be a hidden reason why Rodgers has yet to put pen to paper, and it involves letting him go if things turn bad in the Steel City. 

"What if the conversations aren't about what's actually going to be in the contract? What if he's trying to get a handshake deal that, if it isn't working, you'll release me before the trade deadline, so I'll be a free agent? What if he wants to have an assurance? What assurances can you give me that I'm gonna have a chance to finish my career the right way if this just doesn't work this year?" Florio said.

Rodgers wouldn't want his four-time MVP career to end on a pick-six in an embarrassing Wild Card loss. This take is very out there, but a future Hall of Famer ending his career negatively may not be the way he wants to go out. It is probably Rodgers' last ride, and he'll want it to end on a high. The chip on his shoulder may be one of the leading factors for him wanting to go back to football, just based on his highly competitive nature. 

The Steelers doing this is highly unlikely, and even if it did happen, it would be hard to indicate anything unofficial. However, it would make sense for Rodgers to want to finish his career off right. That could be with the Black and Gold, and signs point to it happening, but if he were to go elsewhere, it would be because he would have an opportunity to win a ring. If a star quarterback gets hurt in training camp, who's to say Rodgers wouldn't sign somewhere else? All of these hypotheticals are purely that, however, and the 42-year-old quarterback coming to the Steel City seems inevitable; the timing is the key. 

The Steelers Should Be Fine With Waiting On Rodgers

The front office did the smart thing by placing the unrestricted free agent tender on Rodgers. This protects them in case he doesn't sign by training camp. But letting him take his time just allows for the Steelers' two young quarterbacks to gain more experience and reps. Rodgers is pretty familiar with Head Coach Mike McCarthy's offense, as the two worked together previously in Green Bay, so he won't have to do too much when it comes to learning the playbook, like the rookies. 

Allowing the two developing quarterbacks to gain more pro knowledge is a good thing. The Steelers know what they have in Rodgers. He'll produce and get up to speed during training camp (if he waits that long). Waiting on the vet may not be a bad thing. 

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