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Turns out, even a steep discount from a future Hall of Famer wasn’t enough to tempt the Rams.
Aaron Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champ, was reportedly ready to take a major pay cut to play for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Rodgers was willing to sign for $10 million—a clear message that he badly wanted to be in L.A. But in the end, the Rams stood firm with Matthew Stafford, politely declining Rodgers’ Hollywood pitch.
A Rams-Exclusive Deal?
Breer clarified that Rodgers’ $10 million figure wasn’t some open-market price tag—it was “sort of exclusive to the Rams.” That’s how eager Rodgers was to suit up in Sean McVay’s offense. Even Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk added some context, noting the offer was a far cry from what Rodgers ended up signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers—a one-year, $13.6 million deal that could balloon to $19.5 million with incentives.
So yes, Rodgers said it wasn’t about the money. And to be fair, he stuck to that script back in April on The Pat McAfee Show:
“I told every single one of the teams I talked to, it ain’t about the money. I’ll play for $10 million.”
That $10 million? Apparently, only if it meant going to L.A.
Why L.A. Said No
The Rams’ decision wasn’t about drama—something Rodgers tends to bring in bunches. They preferred the known quantity in Matthew Stafford, who not only won them a Super Bowl but restructured his deal to stay put. Stafford’s four-year, $160 million contract was trimmed into a two-year, $84 million setup, ensuring his place atop the Rams’ depth chart.
Meanwhile, Rodgers’ baggage—both media and medical—may have been more than L.A. wanted to juggle. Florio took a swipe at Rodgers’ history, writing:
“Mr. Yeah I’ve Been Immunized can claim he said he’d play for $10 million… He’s not. He’s playing for $13.65 million plus incentives.”
Ouch.
Steelers Get Their Third Choice
Rodgers may have had his heart set on L.A., but the Steelers were the ones who answered the call—albeit after trying for other options. ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared that Pittsburgh first pursued Stafford and even flirted with re-signing Justin Fields. When those moves didn’t pan out, they pivoted to Rodgers.
“Their best choice right now but their third choice,” Schefter said bluntly on Get Up.
Rodgers, for his part, now heads to Pittsburgh with plenty to prove—especially after an underwhelming Jets stint and two years that didn’t exactly scream MVP form.
Final Thought
So, would the Rams have gotten a better deal by rolling the dice on Rodgers at $10 million? Maybe. But in an offseason that offered plenty of QB chaos, L.A. made the quieter—but safer—choice. And for Stafford, that meant the Rams still believe he’s their best shot at another ring.
For Rodgers? He’ll try to prove them wrong from the other side of the country.