The talk of the NFL continues to center on Aaron Rodgers and his future with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Team owner Art Rooney II has publicly stated that he wants an answer from Rodgers before the NFL Draft, but that stance feels more like posturing than a concrete deadline. The organization has already waited this long, and the process could continue for some time.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has remained in consistent communication with Rodgers, and all indications are positive regarding the grizzled veteran’s potential return. However, comments from former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch sparked questions about the contract details surrounding Rodgers.
While Batch suggested money could be delaying a deal, ESPN’s Adam Schefter has pushed back on that notion.
Batch appears to believe that Rodgers’ contract situation is part of a larger puzzle, which is why he suggested money could be the main obstacle. Whether or not that is actually the case, Kirk Cousins' signing with the Las Vegas Raiders could complicate matters for Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ starting quarterback from last season may now use that deal as leverage and look for a higher salary.
Pittsburgh Steelers could struggle to re-sign Aaron Rodgers following Kirk Cousins contract
Rodgers’ return appears increasingly inevitable, particularly given how patiently the Steelers are waiting for his decision. The situation mirrors last offseason, when both sides took a similar approach before ultimately agreeing to a team-friendly deal. Rodgers signed a one-year contract worth $13.65 million, with the potential to earn an additional $5.85 million through incentives.
If Rodgers were to hit all of his incentives, the deal could have been worth as much as $19.5 million.
While the outcome is unlikely, Batch believes Rodgers could look at Kirk Cousins’ new contract and push for more guaranteed money. Cousins reportedly secured $20 million in guarantees from Las Vegas, despite Rodgers having a stronger season. No one truly knows what the Steelers’ starter is thinking, but Batch remains firm in his position.
"Regardless of even Adam Schefter saying, 'Hey, it's not a contractual situation.' Yes, it is." Batch said on The Snap Count Podcast, "If it's not, why didn't he sign?"
Batch makes a fair point, but recent history suggests that money may not be the primary factor. Last offseason, Rodgers took time to decide whether he even wanted to continue playing, and that was the biggest hurdle in the process. The situation appears to be unfolding in a similar way again. The Steelers have limited cap space remaining, and this represents Rodgers’ only realistic path forward.
For him, it is Pittsburgh or retirement.
Cousins' new deal with the Raiders could put a potential wrinkle into the fold, but Rodgers has also been on record stating he will accept less money to win at this point in his career. He is one of the highest-earning players in NFL history, so giving up some money shouldn't be too harmful for him. Cousins' new deal could force the Steelers to give Rodgers more money, but nothing excessive.