The NFL’s lingering offseason storyline is nearing its resolution: quarterback Aaron Rodgers is set to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers, and reports suggest he is leaning toward re-signing with the team. However, the key question remains—what does Rodgers stand to gain by staying?
That’s exactly the issue Colin Cowherd wants addressed. He defends the future Hall of Famer’s potential demand for a salary increase in 2026.
“He wants more money, and the Steelers are going to give in. He deserves it,” Cowherd said on “The Herd.” “You can’t ask a Hall of Fame quarterback to hand you two consecutive discounts. Last year was like a free sample at Costco. This year, you need him to buy in bulk.”
Rodgers, who turned 42 in December, posted a solid 2025 campaign in his debut season with Pittsburgh. He recorded 3,322 passing yards, 25 total touchdowns, and seven interceptions, guiding the Steelers to a 10-7 record, an AFC North title, and a playoff berth. Under Rodgers, the Steelers’ offense saw significant improvement, particularly in yards after the catch and red-zone touchdowns.
Yet his compensation last season was modest. Rodgers earned a $13.65 million salary in 2025, ranking outside the top 20 among NFL quarterbacks.
Now, it appears Rodgers is seeking a higher payday as he delays retirement for another year. Beyond finances, Pittsburgh has enticing incentives to offer. The franchise hired Mike McCarthy—Rodgers’ former head coach with the Green Bay Packers—to replace Mike Tomlin. They also bolstered the offense by signing veteran running back Rico Dowdle and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and selecting offensive tackle Max Iheanachor and wide receiver Germie Bernard in the NFL Draft.
Nevertheless, Cowherd believes the Steelers’ upgrades shouldn’t give them leverage in negotiations.
“Most NFL teams have a three-to-five-year plan at quarterback, but the Pittsburgh Steelers treat the position like it’s a slot corner or an off-ball linebacker,” Cowherd said. “They say, ‘We’ll get to it at the trade deadline; let’s see what happens in preseason.’ They show absolutely no urgency when it comes to quarterbacks.”
Rodgers, however, has been partly complicit. He has been slow to give Pittsburgh an answer, which was initially expected before the NFL Draft but never came. The 42-year-old quarterback now has until July 22 to decide, thanks to the Steelers using the UFA tender. This gives Pittsburgh exclusive negotiating rights through minicamp and until that date unless Rodgers signs elsewhere while still a free agent.
Speculation suggests Rodgers will likely re-sign with the Steelers following his Friday visit. Ideally, retaining a quarterback who knows the playbook and pairing him with a coach he shares a long history with would answer a major question for Pittsburgh. But both sides must find common ground before Rodgers officially returns.
