Aaron Rodgers was in Pittsburgh, but Steelers are still awaiting a meeting
PITTSBURGH — Aaron Rodgers had been in town for a couple days, but as of Saturday afternoon the Steelers had not met with him and instead have been talking with his agent, sources told the Post-Gazette.
Rodgers has stayed away from the team’s South Side facility while the Steelers’ three-day rookie minicamp takes place this weekend. But it’s possible he could meet by Monday if matters get worked out with the team and his long-time agent, David Dunn of Athletes First.
The Steelers have always been under the impression Rodgers, 42, would come back for his 22nd NFL season, despite his prolonged delay in signing a new deal. They have also believed financial terms on a one-year contract were never an issue, according to sources.
Last season, the Steelers signed Rodgers to a one-year deal for $13.7 million that could have reached up to $19 million with bonuses. That is not a lot of money for a four-time NFL MVP. Rodgers, though, was fine with it.
But because he led the Steelers to the AFC North title and their fifth postseason trip in six years, it only stands to reason Rodgers will cost more to return in 2026. But the Steelers never thought money was a reason for his delay in announcing his intentions.
Coach Mike McCarthy maintains he has been in constant communication with his former Green Bay Packers quarterback, usually talking several times a week.
When he was asked Saturday about Rodgers’ possible return and adding a fourth quarterback, he merely smiled and said, “Three quarterbacks is the normal. Four would be awesome.”
The Steelers were “expecting” — in owner Art Rooney II’s words — Rodgers would make a decision before the NFL draft last month.
When that event passed without a decision, the Steelers placed a seldom-used unrestricted free agent tender on Rodgers, ensuring they would receive a compensatory draft pick if he signed with another team before July 22.
The procedural move was designed to protect them, not an indication the Steelers thought Rodgers would go elsewhere.
But if Rodgers doesn’t agree to a new deal before offseason training activities begin May 18, the team’s patience with him could grow thin.
