Building on matchup previews highlighting injuries and Ravens' strengths, Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers addressed his expiring contract, limited 2026 options, enjoyment in Pittsburgh, and mentorship of rookie Will Howard during Wednesday's presser. A Week 18 win over Baltimore is vital for playoffs after last week's Browns loss, with coach Mike Tomlin committed to extending the veteran's season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 18 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens remains a winner-take-all for the AFC North and AFC's final playoff spot, following a narrow Week 17 loss to the Browns where Rodgers passed for 168 yards sans suspended WR DK Metcalf.
Rodgers, 42 and concluding a one-year Jets deal, was candid: "I'm thinking about this week, but obviously I'm 42-years-old and I'm on a one-year deal, so you know what the situation is. Whenever this season ends, I'll be a free agent. That would give me a lot of options if I still want to play. Not a lot of options, but options. I would think maybe one or two if I decide I still want to play."
Reflecting on the year—including standout games against the Ravens, Dolphins, and Lions—he said: "I've enjoyed this experience. Everybody in Pittsburgh has been fantastic to me on and off the field. It's really what I was hoping for from this experience. It's been even better than what I was hoping."
Rodgers has invested in rookie QB Will Howard, sidelined early by injury: "I’ve made a point of really trying to help Will because I love him. He’s a great kid. I think he’s got a bright future."
Tomlin lauded Rodgers' impact, vowing to fight for victory.
The WR corps was altered by May's Pickens trade to Dallas, where he's posted 92 receptions, 1,420 yards, and nine TDs in 16 games—surpassing Metcalf's 59/850/6 in 15. Analyst Joel Corry forecasts a four-year, $129.996M extension for Pickens.
Victory would prolong Rodgers' career and vindicate Pittsburgh's Jets acquisition.
