Will Howard’s Pittsburgh Steelers tied to $395 million New York Jets quarterback

Looks like the waiting game will finally come to an end. Aaron Rodgers will finally decide whether to continue or call it quits. When? Before the 2026 NFL Draft. So ironic. And so ‘ayahuasca retreat lover’ like: always keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.Back in 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted QB Will Howard as their 185th overall pick in the sixth round. This was in April 2025. But rumors of Rodgers joining the Steelers began circulating online in mid-March 2025, after the New York Jets released him, making him an unrestricted free agent who could be acquired by any team.And then on March 21, 2025, he visited Pittsburgh. Steelers’ long-time coach, Mike Tomlin, wanted Rodgers, and their quarterback spot was vacant because they had moved on from Russell Wilson, whose 6-5 record in 2024 was not enough [late season collapse].

NFL Trade Rumors: Jets QB Aaron Rodgers tied to Will Howard’s Steelers

This time, the Steelers have a new coach. A coach who shares a strong history with Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers days. But what does the veteran quarterback do now? His one-year deal is over. He’s a free agent now. Now there’s no Mike Tomlin, but there’s Mike McCarthy.There’s also Will Howard, a rookie entering his second year, who may require a veteran presence. And Mason Rudolph, who may continue to serve as a backup, as he did in 2025, no matter who takes the gridiron.

Anyhow, what does Rodgers do? He reportedly makes the Steelers wait for his response.But now the wait is over: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Brian Batko reports that Rodgers may finally have an answer for his previous franchise. McCarthy wants him. They won the 2025 AFC North division title. They finished with a 10-6 record, far better than Wilson’s 2024 record. Anyhow, Batko said Pittsburgh may finally get a decision before the 2026 NFL Draft.

“Maybe it’s just wishful thinking on my part,” Batko said. “I’ll go ahead and say yes. The conversations at this point last year were probably more about selling Aaron on the Steelers or ‘recruiting him.’I just would venture to guess that this year the conversations aren’t like that… It’s probably more casual and easy-going. But that doesn’t make it any easier for the Steelers to operate without having a 100 percent yes or no, in or out, from him.”Long story short: if the conversations seem casual and easy-going, it’s safe to assume Rodgers is returning! But then, he did not sign with them until June 5. If he is returning and his decision is expected before the draft, he might sign before June. Also, it’s so classic Rodgers: him declaring his decision just days before the draft. This timing could be strategic: so that Pittsburgh doesn’t draft any quarterback? [just speculation]. However, this may not affect them much, as analysts are actively predicting draft prospects for the Steelers. For instance, PFSN’s Jacob Infante projects LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for Pittsburgh at No. 99 overall.

Pittsburgh projected quarterback Aaron Rodgers may ask for more money

Steelers Beat writer Gerry Dulac reports Rodgers may want more money in 2026. The veteran played under $20M last year; Dulac expects it to be under $25M this year. The amount is very cheap for a starting QB in the NFL nowadays.Steelers Nation’s Brogan Noey reports Pittsburgh could afford that much. They currently have $25M to $30M in cap space, with more room available through contract restructures.On the other side: ESPN’s Rich Cimini reports the New York Jets will carry a $48M cap hit in 2026 for 2023-2024 starting QB Aaron Rodgers and 2025 starting QB Justin Fields.According to Over The Cap, Rodgers has a cap charge worth $35M in 2026. His total career earnings over 21 seasons are $395M, and his career APY is $18M.All factors put to place; would he re-sign with the Steelers? Only time will tell…