Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden revealed on 93.7 The Fan that Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers rejected the team’s offer to pay him more money. The four-time NFL MVP wasn’t kidding when he told The Pat McAfee Show he would play for “$10Ms”.
Rodgers actually got $13.65 million from the Steelers that includes up to $19.5 million with incentives, but the point stands, it’s not about the money for him.
“It wasn’t about money because they are giving him around $13 million or something like that. And I got word that he actually could have gotten more, but that’s what he wanted,” McFadden said. “They were willing to offer more. They were willing to pay him more than what he’s actually receiving, but Aaron was like, ‘No man, this is what I would take and I just wanna play ball.”
Rodgers had been set to earn $37.5 million per season on his previous contract with the New York Jets, so playing for $13.65 million is a significant pay cut.
Get this: The Steelers were willing to offer Aaron Rodgers more money than the $13 million he signed for but Rodgers told the team "I'm good. That's all I need." Per ex-Steeler @BMac_SportsTalk on @937thefan.
A magnanimous gesture on Aaron Rodgers part. pic.twitter.com/J8dgC726wT
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) August 15, 2025
Rodgers revealed during his introductory press conference with the Steelers that Mike Tomlin was the driving force to why he signed with the club.
“I think it starts with Mike Tomlin,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been a fan of his for a long time. There’s a few iconic franchises in the NFL. I played for one of them for 18 years. This is another one of those. There’s something special about — obviously this area, so many great quarterbacks are from Pittsburgh.”
During the free agent process, Rodgers realized that his options were either playing for the Steelers or retirement. He did not think it would be worth it to play, unless it was for Tomlin.
“I appreciate the conversations with other organizations, for sure. But, again, I’ve said it. When it came between me and Mike. I made it to where, as I was going through with my personal stuff, there was no other option. It was here or not play,” Rodgers stated.
“I felt like being here with Coach T and the guys they got here and the opportunity here was the best for me, and I’m excited to be here.”
Rodgers said he had a great conversation with Tomlin before signing. One of the best he’s ever had in his two-decade plus career.
“A big attraction was Mike Tomlin,” he said. “I’ve gone against him over the years. … The last Sunday that I called him was some of the coolest conversations I’ve had in the game. Definitely with a head coach. He’s a big reason I’m here. I believe in him and I’m excited to play for him.”
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