“Double My Money”: 42-Year-Old Aaron Rodgers Set to Cash Big With Steelers on 2026 Deal
Aaron Rodgers has spent the offseason keeping the Steelers in limbo. He ignored key deadlines like the Combine and the draft, leaving his plans for a 22nd season a mystery. With few options left, Pittsburgh placed a rare free-agent tender on him last week. According to ESPN, this gives Rodgers a 10% raise and allows the Steelers to match outside offers or receive a draft pick if he leaves.
Steelers reportedly ready to give Aaron Rodgers $20 million deal
Rodgers made an unplanned visit to Pittsburgh on Friday. The Steelers were not given advance notice but they were thrilled when he reached out. Right now, the expectation from all parties is that a deal gets finalized before he leaves town.
According to SI’s Noah Strackbein, it will surpass the $15 million UFA tender and is expected to land somewhere in the $20 million range, though no final number has been confirmed.
This would be a significant bump from what Rodgers earned last year. In 2025, he threw for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading Pittsburgh to its first division title in over a decade. Most agree he outplayed his previous salary.
The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo noted on The Herd that Rodgers took a major discount last season. He argued that for a veteran like Rodgers, a raise is as much about professional respect as it is about the money. While he isn’t seeking the $33 million-plus earned by quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, many believe he should at least earn more than Malik Willis, who makes $22 million.
Early rumors that Rodgers wanted $30 million were false. Instead, the Steelers are offering more than their initial tender because they have the cap space and want to pay him fairly. On Friday, Ian Rapoport noted that while nothing is signed, Rodgers plans to play for Pittsburgh and is taking the final steps to make it official.
Head coach Mike McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with Rodgers in Green Bay, and GM Omar Khan have stayed in close contact with him all winter. Although they drafted Penn State’s Drew Allar in the third round and have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on the roster, none are ready to start Week 1.
At 42, Rodgers is set to return for his 22nd season and likely his biggest payday since leaving the Packers
With OTAs starting May 18, the veteran needs to report soon to start learning the offense. He is in Pittsburgh this weekend to finalize contract details. While no deal is finalized, multiple reports indicate the sides are aligned on him returning for 2026.
