Kirk Cousins has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, so it looks like it’s Aaron Rodgers or bust for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They waited months for him to sign last year, and that could happen again this offseason. Art Rooney II expects an answer before the draft, but that doesn’t guarantee a Rodgers return. Charlie Batch believes Rodgers is waiting for the Steelers to offer him more money. Although ESPN insider Adam Schefter refuted that, Batch is doubling down on what he said, firing back at his doubters.

“There’s a lot of people out there who say I have no idea what I’m talking about…” Batch said recently on his Snap Count podcast. “I will stand on this ten toes down. He deserves a pay raise. He’s not gonna play on the number he had last year. For people to say, ‘He made a bunch of money.’ It’s not about the money… Stop counting other people’s pockets. This is about his services for this season.

“Right now, that number is not going to be $13 million. If you look at the rest of the league, he falls right into that $30 million range… I’m gonna continue to stand on this, regardless of if even Adam Schefter is saying, ‘It’s not a contractual situation.’ Yes, it is… As long as you’ve been following this team, tell me the last time that the organization has waited for a player to make a decision.”

Batch has been involved in football as a player and analyst for a while, but that doesn’t mean he’s always right. While Rodgers played well last year, he also had several issues. It’s tough to see him getting such a significant payday.

Two quarterbacks are set to make around $30 million in 2026. One is Sam Darnold, who just won the Super Bowl. The other is Baker Mayfield, who revived his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making two Pro Bowls there. Rodgers isn’t as good as either of them anymore.

Also, Batch’s point about the Steelers never waiting on a player’s decision is moot: they did the same song and dance with Rodgers last year. It wasn’t about money then. Rodgers made that clear. He was dealing with personal issues that slowed his decision.

Rodgers isn’t your average NFL player. He has his own process and does things his own way. How many other players have gone on darkness retreats before making decisions on their future?

The Steelers aren’t bidding against anyone for Rodgers, either. There has been minimal talk about other teams’ interest in him. For as much as the Steelers need Rodgers, he needs them just as much if he wants to be an NFL starter again.

If he returns, we’ll see what his contract looks like. Maybe Rodgers will make more than $13 million, but $30 million seems like a serious stretch. If he gets a raise, it should be slight. Despite his experience, Batch might be in the wrong here.