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Steelers Insider: Aaron Rodgers 'Put Himself Ahead Of The Owner, The GM And The Head Coach'
TL;DR
Aaron Rodgers is delaying his decision on returning for the 2026 NFL season, putting himself in a position of power over the Steelers' management. Insider Mike DeFabo notes that Rodgers is currently in control of the situation.
Key points
- Aaron Rodgers is deciding on his return for the 2026 NFL season.
- Rodgers has positioned himself above the Steelers' management.
- Mike DeFabo reports that Rodgers holds all the cards in this situation.
Mentioned in this story
Mike DeFabo
Aaron RodgersPittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Steelers Insider: Aaron Rodgers 'Put Himself Ahead Of The Owner, The GM And The Head Coach' originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Aaron Rodgers continues to keep the Pittsburgh Steelers waiting on his decision whether he'll return for the 2026 NFL season.
Steelers insider Mike DeFabo of The Athletic said Monday that the 42-year-old holds all the cards amid the ordeal.
"The way this has dragged on has been a major power play by the 42-year-old QB. When Tomlin was the head coach, there was no question who was in charge; he had nearly two decades on the job and a locker room that was behind him until his very last day," DeFabo wrote. "Whether intentional or not, Rodgers is establishing that he holds all the power in this new relationship. Whenever he wants to sign, whoever he wants to be on the team, whatever he wants the game plan to be, he has successfully put himself ahead of the owner, the GM and the head coach. It’s Rodgers’ team now. He’s in total control of this situation."
Pittsburgh recently placed the UFA tender on Rodgers, meaning the four-time MVP "can accept a 10 percent raise off last year’s salary, which would pay him about $15 million this season."
Q&A
Why is Aaron Rodgers delaying his decision on the 2026 NFL season?
Aaron Rodgers is taking his time to decide whether to return for the 2026 NFL season, which gives him leverage over the Steelers' management.
What does it mean that Rodgers put himself ahead of the owner and GM?
It suggests that Rodgers is prioritizing his own interests and decisions over those of the Steelers' ownership and management.
Who is Mike DeFabo and what did he say about Rodgers?
Mike DeFabo is a Steelers insider from The Athletic who stated that Aaron Rodgers holds all the cards in the current situation regarding his potential return.
