On Thursday morning, a wild rumor dropped that Aaron Rodgers, on a whim, would be flying to Pittsburgh with the full intention of inking a contract and suiting up for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026. This was met with speculation, as Rodgers wasn't with the team ahead of the NFL Draft, and the team's OTAs don't start until May 18.
But a notable NFL insider just confirmed Adam Crowley's original report.
Just hours after the Rodgers rumor surfaced, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reiterated a similar report. The notable insider took to X with the following message for football fans.
"[Free Agent] QB Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to visit the Steelers Friday and this weekend, will likely play for them in 2026, sources say. A deal is not done & there is always caution until things are signed. But Rodgers’ plan is to play for PIT & these are steps toward that end."
We don't know if Crowley and Rapoport have the same sources, but Rapoport is one of the most respected insiders in the business.
It certainly sounds like Rodgers will be signing with the Steelers soon. And at this point, we'll just need to embrace it.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could be signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers at any moment
As annoying as it is, we know that Aaron Rodgers is the type of player who shows up on his terms. And apparently, he thought waiting until after free agency and the NFL Draft was the right call.
Still, the timing of this decision feels a bit odd.
After missing the draft, there didn't seem to be a major rush. Organized Team Activities, which are voluntary, don't start until May 18, and the mandatory minicamp doesn't start until June 2. Last year, a 41-year-old Rodgers didn't come strolling in until minicamp on June 5.
There doesn't seem to be a ton of incentive to stoll into town on May 7, unless he truly wants to do right by his team this time around.
Now 42, and a shell of the MVP he once was, Rodgers should never have been able to dictate the situation the way he did. General manager Omar Khan and team president Art Rooney II were far too lenient with the veteran quarterback, which may have set a poor precedent for the rest of the team.
In the end, they know that Rodgers gives the Pittsburgh Steelers their best shot at avoiding a decade-long drought without a playoff win... and being relevant in the present always seems to be more important to this organization than being a true contender in the future.
Like it or not, it looks like Rodgers will be back for one more season. We'll keep you updated with the latest Rodgers news and rumors.
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