Why Aaron Rodgers' Steelers trip may be more important than it looks

Aaron Rodgers is visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend, and a deal is expected to follow. The 42-year-old quarterback has not yet signed with the team, but NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shared crucial information about the visit. What looks like a routine trip could decide Pittsburgh’s 2026 season before it even begins.

Rapoport confirmed Wednesday that Rodgers will possibly visit the Steelers this weekend, reposting a report from 93.7 The Fan that suggested the veteran quarterback is expected to sign with Pittsburgh.

Progress for the #Steelers and Aaron Rodgers. While no deal is in place, at least he is planning to visit for further discussion. https://t.co/FsUNtfTSgQ

Earlier this week, rumors connected Rodgers to the Arizona Cardinals, but Rapoport quickly dismissed that possibility during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

“No legs for that one. Certainly don't expect it. Sorry to disappoint everyone. Do I expect him to sign in Arizona? I expect if he is going to play, to play for Pittsburgh,” Rapoport said.

Arizona drafted Carson Beck in April and currently has Jacoby Brissett holding out of voluntary workouts, but none of that appears to change Rodgers’ thinking. 

The visit now feels like much more than a simple check-in. It appears to be the final step before Rodgers signs a new deal with Pittsburgh.

Aaron Rodgers visit to Steelers carries more weight post-draft

The trip also carries more weight because of the connection between Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers from 2006 to 2018, and the partnership produced a Super Bowl title in 2010.

Rodgers finished the 2025 season with a 94.8 passer rating, 3,322 yards, and a 24:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio across 16 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He still showed flashes of vintage play, even though the season ended with a disappointing 30-6 Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans.

At 42, Rodgers’ mobility has declined. He took 29 sacks in 2025 and posted a shorter average depth of target of 6.4 yards. There is also ongoing organizational friction regarding his silence on retirement during offseasons. 

Still, he remains a low-turnover veteran with elite processing, ranking 16th among quarterbacks in 2025 and giving Pittsburgh a stable floor that most bridge quarterbacks cannot provide.

If the deal somehow falls through, Pittsburgh still holds leverage. The Steelers placed a rarely used UFA tender on Rodgers. If he does not sign elsewhere by July 22, Pittsburgh owns his exclusive negotiating rights. 

Analysts believe the team would then pivot to Will Howard or Drew Allar instead of making a major veteran trade.

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