Aaron Rodgers

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This Aaron Rodgers deal to Pittsburgh earns a solid B+ CVI — a fair value signing that addresses the Steelers' most glaring need without breaking the bank. At $13.7M AAV, the franchise is paying above-average starter money for what remains Pro Bowl-caliber production from a future Hall of Famer, creating reasonable upside if Rodgers can recapture even 85% of his peak form. The one-year structure is brilliant risk management given Rodgers' age and recent injury concerns, allowing Pittsburgh to take a calculated swing without long-term salary cap consequences. With $10M guaranteed out of $13.7M total, the Steelers maintain flexibility while giving Rodgers enough security to commit fully to the system. This move transforms Pittsburgh from a wild card hopeful into a legitimate playoff contender — sometimes the right veteran at the right price is exactly what a franchise needs to maximize its championship window.

Performance Analysis

Aaron Rodgers grades as a serviceable starter among NFL quarterbacks — a middle-of-the-pack player at the position. His strongest area is passer rating at 94.8 (above the NFL average of 77.2), ranking as well above average for the position. Passing yards per game, at 207.6 compared to an NFL average of 230.0, is where he falls short relative to the position. With 264 career games, there is a large sample size backing this grade.

Current Sentiment

Aaron Rodgers enters the 2026 NFL season in an unusual position for a four-time MVP — his immediate future with the Pittsburgh Steelers is genuinely uncertain, as the organization's selection of Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the 2026 NFL Draft signals that the front office is actively planning for life beyond him. The Allar pick has dominated the narrative surrounding Rodgers, framing him less as a franchise cornerstone and more as a bridge veteran whose tenure could be measured in months rather than years. On the positive side, former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin — now a respected national voice at NBC — publicly predicted Rodgers will return to Pittsburgh, citing his enduring passion for the game as a compelling reason for optimism. Nevertheless, the combination of a modest $13.7M contract, 21 years of NFL experience, and a high-profile heir apparent creates a perception of a legend in the twilight phase of his career rather than a commanding starter. Rodgers' elite historical credentials keep his reputation firmly in the upper tier of NFL quarterbacks, but the current Pittsburgh storyline introduces enough uncertainty to temper enthusiasm heading into the new season.