In a jaw-dropping twist that has electrified the NFL offseason, Aaron Rodgers has reportedly laid out his trade conditions to the Pittsburgh Steelers on March 25, 2025, with a bold and pointed demand: “Since Russell Wilson is $10 million, I only need $50 million.” The statement, allegedly made during a heated negotiation session, underscores Rodgers’ determination to secure a blockbuster one-year deal as he eyes a potential move to the Steel City. With the Steelers reeling from losing Russell Wilson to the New York Giants for a one-year contract ranging from $10.5 million to $21 million, Rodgers is seizing the moment to assert his worth—and it’s a price tag that’s raising eyebrows across the league.
Rodgers, the 41-year-old four-time MVP and Super Bowl XLV champion, is no stranger to high-stakes drama. After a turbulent 2024 season split between the New York Jets and a cameo with the Steelers, he’s now a free agent with leverage. His proposed $50 million salary—nearly five times Wilson’s base with the Giants—reflects his belief that he remains an elite quarterback, capable of transforming Pittsburgh’s offense. “I’m not here to play for peanuts,” Rodgers reportedly told Steelers GM Omar Khan. “Wilson got his deal; I’m worth more—$50 million, one year, take it or leave it.” The ultimatum comes as Pittsburgh scrambles to replace Wilson, who led them to a 9-8 record in 2024, and bolster a roster featuring stars like George Pickens.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II, however, has already hinted at sticker shock, previously calling Rodgers’ earlier $50 million ask “too high” for a 41-year-old with injury concerns. Yet, Rodgers’ camp argues his 2024 stats—3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns—justify the price, dwarfing Wilson’s 2,482 yards and 16 scores. Fans on X are split: “Rodgers at $50M is insane value for a Super Bowl run,” one posted, while another countered, “He’s dreaming—Steelers won’t pay that for a rental.” Mike Tomlin, ever the pragmatist, remains tight-lipped, but his earlier tease—“Maybe we should give him a chance”—suggests openness to a splashy move.
If Pittsburgh balks, Rodgers has options—retirement or a rival like Minnesota looms. But his “Wilson benchmark” gambit has turned this into a showdown: will the Steelers ante up, or let another QB slip away? The NFL holds its breath as the saga unfolds.
