With the wait for Aaron Rodgers taking as long as it did, many figured the holdup was related to the contract he ultimately signed. Reports suggest there were never any issues with money, but the Steelers are paying Rodgers significantly more on his 2026 contract. Yet, his deal, which could be worth as much as $25 million, still gives Pittsburgh solid value in the mind of NFL insider Dan Graziano.
“I’m not surprised. It’s more than he made last year. I guess he felt, you know, the division title and all that, that he deserved more of a raise. But no, this is not a number that’s going to do the Steelers any kind of harm,” Graziano said Monday on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike. “I mean if you’re paying a starting quarterback in this day and age, and the number starts with a two, I think you’re getting a pretty good deal.”
Rodgers played on a cheap deal last year, one that paid him just $13 million in base salary. He valued the idea of playing with Mike Tomlin and wanted to end his career on a high note after a rough stint in New York. However, it didn’t take long for him to flirt with the idea of returning in 2026.
After winning 10 games and the AFC North, it makes sense that Rodgers wanted a raise. However, he’s still not being paid very much compared to other quarterbacks around the league. He’s getting about the same amount as Malik Willis, with the latter being on a three-year deal. Considering that 14 quarterbacks are currently making at least $40 million per year, Rodgers’ number is justifiable.
Since it’s a one-year deal, it doesn’t bring any future commitments for the Steelers, either. It’s another example of them rolling with a proven veteran on a cheaper deal, after doing so with Rodgers last year and Russell Wilson the year prior. The money they’re paying Rodgers won’t have any impact on the handful of players they’re still looking to extend this offseason.
Whether it was the right decision to bring Rodgers back is another discussion. He gives them the best chance to win this year. But there are some reasons the Steelers might have been better off going in another direction. However, when it comes to the contract Rodgers received, Graziano has no issues with it.
Recommended for you