"They Don't Believe That's Happening": Steelers Insider Quiets Massive Rumor Over Quarterback

Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is finally over, the Pittsburgh Steelers can start to look forward to Organized Team Activities, rookie minicamp, and mandatory minicamp. Though one big question remains: Will Aaron Rodgers be the quarterback? The team recently placed a right-of-first-refusal tender on Rodgers, which would grant them a compensatory draft pick if he signs elsewhere—allowing them to match any deal he is offered. The tender also allows Rodgers to accept a 10% raise over last season's salary, which would pay him about $15 million this season. 

Placing that tag raised concerns amongst Steeler Nation about Rodgers potentially eyeing a different team. There hasn't been much buzz this offseason about other teams' interest in Rodgers, however. Earlier in the offseason, Mike Florio claimed that the Denver Broncos could be interested in Rodgers' services, but nothing ever came to fruition. Now that a move has been made on Rodgers, the buzz could be heating back up. 

Steelers insider Gerry Dulac of the Post-Gazette recently hosted a live chat for Steelers fans to ask questions about the team. Dulac was asked about the franchise essentially bowing down to Rodgers, waiting as long as he wants to decide. He shuts that notion down, saying the team is just protecting their ability to get a comp pick if Rodgers were to sign with a different team unexpectedly. He also claimed that the Steelers don't believe that is going to happen. 

"I don't think that's what they are doing," Dulac wrote. "What they did was a procedural formality that protects their ability to get a comp pick. They are not protecting Rodgers from signing with another team, though they don't believe that is happening anyway."

It's highly unlikely another team will want the 42-year-old signal-caller at this point in his career. Rodgers was still decent in 2025, but he is not even close to the player he used to be. The arm talent is still there, but mobility has been an issue. Perhaps his biggest problem was his time to throw (2.52s), which many thought hindered the wide receivers who couldn't get down field fast enough for a big-play opportunity. Rodgers often would get the ball out as fast as possible to avoid getting hit, even when the offensive line would hold up. In his defense, his wide receivers were not often open regardless.

With a revamped roster, 2026 provides Rodgers with an opportunity to have a better supporting cast on both sides of the ball. The Steelers are still in "win now" mode, and they believe that Rodgers joining their current roster is their best chance to making another deep playoff run -- something they haven't done in almost a decade. 

Steelers Need To Take Advantage Of This Opportunity

While the team waits on Rodgers to sign his tender, they have two young quarterbacks who need as many reps as possible. Drew Allar, whom the team just drafted 76th overall in this year's NFL Draft, and Will Howard, who was a sixth-round pick in last year's NFL Draft. Allar oozes with potential, but lacks almost all other traits discussed by many pundits. Howard, on the other hand, doesn't have as high a ceiling seemingly, but provides a higher floor -- being more consistent in his footwork and his progressions. 

New head coach Mike McCarthy has gushed over getting to work with Howard multiple times this offseason, leading fans to believe he is their plan for the future. Now with Allar in the mix, those two will be competing and getting as many snaps and throws as possible. In the event Rodgers doesn't return, the team could look to one of them to start the 2026 regular season.

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