New Aaron Rodgers Rumors on Steelers Contract After Being 'Underpaid' Last Year amid Retirement Buzz

Free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his representatives have been in "in constant communication" with Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Omar Khan, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Fowler reported on SportsCenter that a breakthrough could happen as early as Sunday. The Steelers wrapped up their rookie minicamp on Saturday, so the absence of any other business might open the door for concrete negotiations with Rodgers.

There may still be some haggling over the 10-time Pro Bowler's overall salary number. Fowler reported his number "will be a little bit higher than" the roughly $15 million he's guaranteed if he signs the unrestricted free agent tender.

Rodgers made $13.7 million in 2025, which Fowler posited made him "a little underpaid," so that's something he could take into account for a second Steelers contract.

"It is still all systems go that he's likely to be a Steeler," Fowler said.

Rodgers could simply decide in the end he wants to retire. He has accomplished everything he can on the field, and his legacy is secured. Why go through the stress and punishment of another season?

Rodgers Hit Hard on Scoop-and-Score 😬

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Assuming the 42-year-old still wants to play, Pittsburgh is basically his only option at this point. The UFA tender reinforced that fact.

The Arizona Cardinals were mentioned as another possibility, but they don't make a lot of sense. While he'd get to reunite with former offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, Rodgers presumably doesn't want to spend a year on a rebuilding team.

Despite the fact his market is once again limited, the four-time MVP does have some leverage from the standpoint the Steelers lack a Plan B at quarterback.

If they don't sign Rodgers, then they're looking at Mason Rudolph, Will Howard or Drew Allar as the starter. None of the three is a suitable QB1 for a franchise with playoff aspirations.

It's too late to look elsewhere in free agency, too. Russell Wilson is the next best quarterback on the board, and he appears to be choosing between the New York Jets or a career in broadcasting.

Pittsburgh isn't going to give Rodgers a blank check, and it's only $14.5 million under the salary cap. Rodgers nonetheless is in a position where he can negotiate for a little more than what the team says it's prepared to offer.