The Aaron Rodgers saga has dragged through another offseason, and most people have stopped trying to predict where it ends. NFL insider Adam Schefter is not most people.

On a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Schefter cut straight through the noise surrounding the 42-year-old quarterback's future. 

“I don't think anything has changed. It's the same situation we had all along… I still think he ends up back with the Steelers." 

For a situation that has generated weeks of speculation, that was about as direct as it gets.

Rodgers spent the 2025 season in Pittsburgh after his stint with the Jets came to an end, and the Steelers responded by placing a rare unrestricted free agent tender on him rather than letting him walk. 

McAfee also gave his take on the Aaron Rodgers situation. 

“Maybe he is literally off the grid somewhere, trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life. I think it is a deep-thinking person who has to make a deep decision about what his future is.”

Rodgers has spent over 2 decades in the NFL. He is 42 years old and has a major decision to make for his career and life. As fans await his decision, there are other theories floating around on why he is taking so long to reveal his decision. 

Is Money the Main Sticking Point in Rodgers-Steelers Talks

Aaron Rodgers has not shown up in Pittsburgh yet. And until the money gets sorted, that may not change anytime soon.

As the 42-year-old quarterback's future continues to drag into another week of uncertainty, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio cut to the chase on where negotiations actually stand. The Steelers placed a UFA tender on Rodgers worth roughly $15 million, a 10% raise over his 2025 salary, and Rodgers has yet to accept it. 

"If it wasn't an issue, now would be the time for the reports to indicate that the two sides have an agreement as to the financial side of the arrangement," Florio wrote. "Absent such reporting, there's no deal on money."

The gap appears to be significant. Sources close to the situation suggest Rodgers is looking for something closer to $25-30 million, which would represent nearly double what the tender offers.

For a quarterback who guided Pittsburgh to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth in 2025, the ask is not without logic. However,  the Steelers have shown no indication they are ready to go that far.

Do you think Rodgers deserves that payout?

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Written by

Zaid Quraishi

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi