Former Steelers QB Says Rodgers' Hold-up Is About Money

Charlie Batch believes Aaron Rodgers' continued indecision on his future is due to contract negotiations with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:38am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, conveying the complex dynamics surrounding the quarterback's contract negotiations.Rodgers' contract standoff with the Steelers creates an uncertain future for the team's quarterback position.Today in Pittsburgh

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch believes Aaron Rodgers' ongoing hold-up over his NFL future is primarily due to money-related contract negotiations with the Steelers. Batch says the team has been waiting on Rodgers' decision, indicating there are active discussions about his potential salary for next season.

Why it matters

Rodgers' decision will have major implications for the Steelers' offseason plans, including their strategy for the upcoming NFL Draft. The team needs to know if Rodgers will return so they can properly prepare their roster and draft accordingly.

The details

Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.6 million deal with the Steelers last season, but the team may not be willing to pay him a similar amount this year. Former Steelers star Ben Roethlisberger has advised the team against drafting a quarterback, even with Rodgers' uncertain status. However, Batch believes Rodgers cannot hold the team hostage and needs to let them know if he will accept their contract offer or if they should move forward with other options like backup Will Levis.

  • The NFL Draft is just around the corner, scheduled for late April 2026.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A four-time NFL MVP quarterback who is currently a free agent after playing one season for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Charlie Batch

A former quarterback who played 11 seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers and is now a commentator.

Ben Roethlisberger

A former star quarterback who played his entire 18-year NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Will Levis

The Steelers' current backup quarterback who may be in line to replace Aaron Rodgers if he does not return.

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What they’re saying

“When you are three and a half weeks into free agency, and you have not signed yet, that lets me know it's about money. Because if the Steelers did not want him, they wouldn't be waiting on him.”

— Charlie Batch, Former Steelers Quarterback

“Let us know now. Either you're going to accept the number that they (Steelers) have, or we're going to go in here with Will Howard and potentially draft your replacement on the roster.”

— Charlie Batch, Former Steelers Quarterback

What’s next

The Steelers will need to decide whether to wait for Rodgers' decision or move forward with other options at quarterback before the 2026 NFL Draft in late April.

The takeaway

Rodgers' contract negotiations with the Steelers have become a major offseason storyline, with the team's future plans hinging on whether the veteran quarterback returns or not. This situation highlights the complex dynamics between star players, team management, and the financial realities of the NFL.