After months of waiting and hanging outside Northside ice cream shops, we can now confirm that Aaron Rodgers is in fact returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Adam Schefter reported a short time ago that the four-time MVP and the Steelers have agreed to a one-year deal. Schefter also reports the deal will be for around $25 million which is a significant jump from last year.
How Does the QB Position Shakeout?
Now that we know Rodgers will indeed return and play for his former coach Mike McCarthy, what does this mean for the other three quarterbacks on the roster? Go ahead, set Drew Allar off to the side for this discussion because he’s not going anywhere. As a third round pick there’s zero chance he gets released. Therefore that leaves the veteran Mason Rudolph and second year player Will Howard.
Rudolph is a known commodity. He’s a consummate professional who will be ready to step in when needed. Whether for a spot start or to fill in following an in-game injury, Rudolph will be prepared. Whether or not he can provide wins is another matter. Howard is likely the guy facing an uphill battle. He’s essentially redoing his rookie year because of the injury that eliminated any chance of him playing in the preseason and beyond. As a sixth round pick, keeping him is far less likely than letting Allar go.
The real question will be whether McCarthy is confident enough in his young guys to be backups which means Rudolph would be expendable. Common sense suggests keeping Rudolph simply because Rodgers will be 43 years old this season and experience matters. If forced to make a wager, I’d say they will go with Rudy and Allar and send Howard to the Practice Squad. I can’t see too many teams being overly interested in poaching him.
It’s Over Now
The drama that has existed throughout the offseason is over. Aaron Rodgers will lead the Steelers into 2026 regardless of my opinion or anyone else’s. For McCarthy it’s a good situation. He has a stable guy under center and can still work with his third round selection all year long. I suppose the only drama remaining now is answering the important question of what Rodgers ordered at the ice cream shop last night.
