With quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh today, the question becomes whether a contract will be finalized between Rodgers and the Steelers for 2026.<\/p>\n
On one hand, Rodgers wouldn\u2019t be making the trip unless he had a pretty good idea that a deal is doable. On the other hand, no deal \u2014 no matter how doable \u2014 is done until doable becomes did.<\/p>\n
The tweets from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network regarding Rodgers\u2019s return visit to the Steel City underscore the point that the yellow towels must be accompanied by sufficient green bills.<\/p>\n
The unrestricted free agent tender that was applied to Rodgers last week puts on the table a one-year deal at an increase of 10 percent over last year\u2019s salary of $13.65 million. Will Rodgers take roughly $15 million for another season? If (as he should) he wants more, how much more does he want?<\/p>\n
Some have consistently downplayed the money angle. If it wasn\u2019t 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. Absent such reporting, there\u2019s no deal on money.<\/p>\n
Which means they\u2019ll need to reach one.<\/p>\n
Still, the two sides have surely kicked around numbers. To the extent a gap currently exists, Rodgers wouldn\u2019t be flying back to Pittsburgh if he didn\u2019t think it is something that can be bridged fairly easily.<\/p>\n