Aaron Rodgers’ contract: a major bargain for Steelers, unlocking roster flexibility

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ acquisition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has emerged as one of the most financially savvy moves of the 2025 NFL offseason. Despite Rodgers’ Hall of Fame pedigree, the Steelers will pay him a base salary of just $10 million for the upcoming season—an amount that could rise by at least $3.65 million and potentially reach up to $9.5 million more through various incentives.

Even at the highest possible payout, Rodgers’ compensation will remain below that of fellow Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, who is set to earn $20 million this year.

The deal, reportedly finalized “a long time ago,” was the result of negotiations led by Rodgers’ agent, David Dunn. Sources indicate that Rodgers was initially willing to accept an even lower salary, but Dunn encouraged him to secure a more competitive figure.

The precise details of Rodgers’ incentive structure remain undisclosed, but speculation suggests that a Super Bowl victory could unlock the maximum compensation package.

For the Steelers, this contract represents a significant bargain.

Rodgers’ relatively modest cap hit frees up millions in both cash and salary cap space, giving the franchise unprecedented flexibility. This financial breathing room could be used to extend star linebacker T.J. Watt, pursue a high-profile running back like J.K. Dobbins, or even facilitate a trade for a receiver such as Allen Lazard. The team also has the option to make strategic moves ahead of the Week 9 trade deadline.

Ultimately, the Steelers have managed to secure an elite quarterback at a fraction of the typical cost, positioning themselves to reinvest those savings into strengthening the roster. If the front office leverages this advantage wisely, Pittsburgh could be poised to exceed expectations in the 2025 season.