Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 4, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch speculated recently that the delay in Aaron Rodgers’ decision was contractual.
“This is a guy who outplayed his contract,” Batch said on The Snap Count podcast. “This decision is coming down to money. The Steelers would like him to come back, but it’s not going to be at the $13 million number. I’m sure Aaron, and I haven’t spoken to him, but I’m sure his representatives are wanting something closer to $30 [million], and you hope that, somewhere, you meet in the middle.”
Batch’s theory is incorrect, however, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
“It does sound like the Rodgers thing in Pittsburgh is happening. [He] and McCarthy are talking every day. Why are they talking every day if he’s not going back? It just is not official. It’s not contractual, I was told. I don’t know where they’re at, it’s just, it’s Aaron being Aaron,” Schefter said Tuesday on The Pat McAfee Show.
Rodgers’ “takes two to tango” comment on The Pat McAfee Show earlier this month started the speculation that he wants a better offer from the Steelers. Rodgers signed a one-year contract with the Steelers worth $13.65 million last year, which included $10 million in guaranteed money.
Rodgers, who will turn 43 next season, went 10-6 as the Steelers’ starting passer last season, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Former Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison thinks the four-time NFL MVP quarterback deserves a significant pay raise from the Steelers.
“Aaron is not going to make a decision until you give this man numbers. Because he'(s) not coming back for what he came back for last year. Period. I believe he’ll retire before he comes back for what came back for last year. … He saved our ass last year. You kind of owe the man some back pay,” Harrison said on the Deebo & Joe podcast.
Steelers president Art Rooney II gave the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac somewhat of an update on the team’s timeline while at the NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix.
“I still expect that,” Rooney told Dulac. “I expect we’ll get an answer before the draft.”
Rodgers did not sign with the Steelers until June last year. If “Aaron is being Aaron” like Schefter said, it could be a similar case this year. All signs point to Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh, however. The only question is when.
Aaron Becker contributed.
Mentioned In This Article: Aaron Rodgers Adam Schefter Charlie Batch James Harrison Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers