NFL Insider: Steelers Could Pay Aaron Rodgers "North Of [$40 Million]" For 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue their search for a plan at the quarterback position, as Aaron Rodgers is still deciding whether he wants to join the Black and Gold or not. Despite the uncertainty remaining at arguably the most important position in all of sports, the Steelers were still aggressive in bolstering the offense by trading for DK Metcalf. The Steelers are the only team that has received a visit from Rodgers during the 2025 NFL free agency period. Something that could be keeping the two parties from coming to a contract agreement is the number Pittsburgh is willing to pay.

The Steelers still have over $30 million in cap space for 2025, according to Spotrac.com. On Friday, Rich Eisen spoke about quarterback contracts around the National Football League. After being asked who will get paid first between Rodgers or Brock Purdy, Eisen quickly said Rodgers will get paid by the Steelers before the San Francisco 49ers extend Purdy. Shortly after, Eisen detailed what type of contract he believes Rodgers will land. 

"I think [Aaron Rodgers is] gonna start with a four. North of [$40 million]," Eisen said on Friday's show. "How about this? Two years, $70 million, with incentives that can pop it up more."

Whether or not the Steelers are willing to pay Rodgers at or above $40 million for a season is up for debate. The Steelers were also slightly in the mix for quarterback Sam Darnold, who ended up getting a three-year deal worth roughly $100 with the Seattle Seahawks.

Rodgers' previous deal with the New York Jets was for three years and reached up to over $112 million. The Jets are taking a $35 million cap hit to let Rodgers play elsewhere in 2025 after deciding to move on and add Justin Fields.

Many insiders continue to speculate how much money Rodgers is demanding from the Steelers in order to line up under center for them in 2025. Pittsburgh still has plenty of money to pay for a quarterback, but it's possible they'd rather pocket that cap space and plan to draft a quarterback in late April. 

Steelers Have Many Players' Fate Dependent On Quarterback Decision 

The Steelers have to decide if they're truly going to be in a "win now" mode for 2025, or if they believe they should wait until 2026 to find a franchise quarterback. If the Steelers don't add Rodgers and decide to see how the 2025 regular season plays out, many players in Pittsburgh's building could be heading out of the door. 

George Pickens is on the final year of his rookie contract, and a meaningless season for the Steelers could mean it will be his last. On the flip side, if the Steelers manage to do some damage late in the season and are led by a serious quarterback, his chances of re-signing could go up. Additionally, the older defensive veterans like Cam Heyward who are beginning to reach the ends of their career are going to want to play for championships. Depending on how Pittsburgh manages their quarterback dilemma throughout the next year, it could result in Heyward or other older veterans throwing in the towel. 

What do you think about Eisen's thoughts regarding Rodgers and his possible upcoming contract with the Steelers? Would you want Pittsburgh to offer him $40 million for 2025? Let us know in the comments below.

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