Aaron Rodgers likely to sign with the Steelers, not the Cardinals

Aaron Rodgers will reunite with his former Green Bay Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy, in Pittsburgh.

May 7, 2026, 9:28 AM

Watch: Why Jacoby Brissett is the clear QB1 for the Arizona Cardinals | 10 mins

And just like that, the Aaron Rodgers smoke has dissipated.

Despite chatter (and further dot-connecting) regarding a potential Rodgers-Arizona Cardinals pairing, the veteran is doing what just about everyone expected him to:

Re-signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While a deal isn’t done, Rodgers is planning to play for the Steelers in 2026 and is visiting the team Friday and Saturday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

It was the most likely move for Rodgers, who played for Pittsburgh under former head coach Mike Tomlin last season and now reunites with former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.

And so ends the unnecessary talk about Rodgers heading to Arizona.

While Rodgers has a longstanding relationship with Cardinals offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and worked under head coach Mike LaFleur’s brother in Green Bay, the veteran signing with Arizona made zero sense.

The team’s quarterbacks room is full as it is, with Jacoby Brissett expected to be the Week 1 starter. There is, however, his request for a raise and current absence from voluntary offseason work to take into account.

Gardner Minshew serves as another veteran option in the room, and third-round pick Carson Beck will need to see the field at some point this year.

Tyler Drake Cardinals reporter and ArizonaSports.com editor

Born and raised in Kelseyville, California, I spent most of my summers growing up in Arizona. There were a lot of trips to Globe and the East Valley. Once out of high school, I attended the University of Arizona with a major in natural resources… Read more

Comments

Birds Nest 3 months ago

This story was a complete embarrassment to the organization, as well as the fans who jumped on board. It’s becoming increasingly clear why this franchise is what it is — from the organization as a whole, to the fanbase, to Arizona sports media, which embarrassed itself the most. People in other markets are laughing at you guys.

D C 3 months ago

So many Arizona fans confuse their beloved Cardinals with other NFL teams who regularly make the playoffs and are considered by the NFL to be attractive places to play. Newsflash to the Delusional: Arizona is not going to the Playoff next year and will still have to overpay to sign free agents.

Jacoby is still the No. 1 QB, and he's still the best option Arizona has on their roster at least for a little while until Gardner Mishew learns the offensive personnel. Unless a small miracle occurs, Carson Beck will likely be holding a clipboard all year.

Cutting Brissett right now because his is missing voluntary offseason workouts and because he asked for more money, is a ridiculous delusion on par with the thought of imagining Carson Beck will get starters reps/ minutes and contend to start regular season games. I don't expect Brissett is stupid enough to miss all the voluntary Organized Training Activities (OTAs). Next one is May 18-19 & 21st, following one, May 26-27 & 29. I expect Brissett will return for one of them, so that Mishew doesn't get too much of a head start on him.

Brissett dispute with the Arizona front office seems like a lock to be resolved, with Brissett getting a small salary bump, nothing near starter's salary (which was a negotiating ploy, although also a laughable request). I'm pretty happy that Arizona didn't decide to throw ridiculous money after Aaron Rodgers ($30-33 Million which he was asking for). Right now the Arizona Cardinals have $39.6 million to $41.3 million in available 2026 salary cap space. Give Jacoby a couple million and then use the rest to fill holes on both offense and defense.

David Murphy 3 months ago

Thank you Jesus!

Aaron Rodgers likely to sign with the Steelers, not the Cardinals

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