Aaron Rodgers is stalling the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason plans, and former quarterback Charlie Batch is pointing the finger squarely at the veteran’s asking price. The four-time MVP remains a free agent more than three weeks into the new league year. National insiders have suggested the delay is unrelated to his contract, but Batch is loudly disagreeing.
Pittsburgh finds itself stuck in a high-stakes waiting game. Team owner Art Rooney II has publicly stated he expects a resolution before the NFL Draft. The organization clearly wants Rodgers back in the building for 2026.
The impasse has forced the front office to halt other major roster moves. Every dollar counts in today’s salary cap climate, and Pittsburgh already has massive defensive contracts on the books. Knowing exactly how much space the quarterback position will consume is critical.
Why Aaron Rodgers’ Salary Is a $30 Million Sticking Point
Rodgers played the 2025 season in Pittsburgh on a highly discounted deal. He brought in roughly $14 million after incentives while throwing for more than 3,300 yards and 24 touchdowns. That production kept the Steelers competitive in a loaded AFC North and reset his market value.
However, his performance, which ranked him 29th in the league according to PFSN’s QB Impact metric, with a score of 71.4, wasn’t vintage Super Bowl MVP Rodgers.
During a recent appearance on his podcast, Batch made it clear that Rodgers is not going to take another discount. The 15-year NFL veteran and former Steelers backup insisted the current standoff is strictly business.
“This is a guy who outplayed his contract,” Batch said. “This decision is coming down to money.”
Batch estimated that Rodgers is looking for a salary closer to the league average for competent starters. He pushed back against reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicating the delay was not a contractual situation.
“I will stand on this ten toes down,” Batch said. “He deserves a pay raise. He’s not gonna play on the number he had last year. For people to say, ‘He made a bunch of money.’ It’s not about the money.”
Batch noted that a fair number for Rodgers’ services right now is not going to be the $13 million base from a year ago.
“If you look at the rest of the league, he falls right into that $30 million range,” Batch added. “I’m sure Aaron, at some point, and I have not spoken to him, but I’m sure his representatives are wanting something close to $30 million. And you hope that, somewhere, you meet in the middle.”
Rodgers easily outperformed his previous contract. He proved he can still dissect defenses and execute at a high level. Paying $30 million to a 42-year-old quarterback still comes with severe roster-building constraints.
Could the Steelers Pivot to Quarterback Will Howard?
Pittsburgh does not have unlimited cap space to keep accommodating an aging veteran. T.J. Watt is currently occupying a massive portion of the payroll on his recent $123 million extension. If Rodgers and the front office cannot find common ground soon, the organization has another option already in the building.
Will Howard spent his 2025 rookie season developing behind the scenes after Pittsburgh drafted him in the sixth round out of Ohio State. Head coach Mike McCarthy has spoken highly of the young quarterback’s physical traits and potential to run the offense. Batch believes the Steelers are prepared to use Howard as leverage if Rodgers refuses to budge.
Batch told Howard he needs to “prove this is your job” and “go out there and take it,” outlining the mindset needed for the young quarterback.
Turning the keys over to a Day 3 draft pick with zero regular-season snaps carries obvious risks. Howard missed critical preseason development time last year with a hand injury. Thrusting him into the starting lineup for a franchise with perennial playoff expectations is a massive gamble.
Giving Howard the starting job offers tremendous financial flexibility. A sixth-round rookie contract costs pennies against the salary cap. The front office could use the $30 million they would have paid Rodgers to immediately upgrade the offensive line or add elite playmakers to the perimeter.
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Batch acknowledged that moving to Howard is a drastic step. He still firmly believes the front office has to draw a financial line in the sand.
Batch noted that with the owner publicly expecting an answer before the draft, it is clear a conversation is happening between the two sides.
The NFL Draft is closing in quickly. Pittsburgh needs an answer, and Rodgers holds the leverage. The organization must decide exactly how much a veteran quarterback is worth to a roster built to win right now, or if it is time to hand the offense to the unknown.
