PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the early months of the Mike McCarthy Era, and life has been good. A few roster questions remain, but there is a sense of trust building from the fanbase.

One of the most important unanswered questions is who will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2026? The presumed answer remains Aaron Rodgers, but no contract has been signed, and the 2026 NFL Draft is just weeks away.

Recently, former Steelers quarterback and co-host of The Snap Count, Charlie Batch, shared his thoughts on the holdup. He believes it’s a financial dispute keeping things from moving forward, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter refuted that claim. Now, Batch continues to hold firm to his stance, reaffirming it in the most recent episode of his show.

“I will stand ten toes down on this,” he stated. “He deserves a pay raise. He’s not gona play on the number he had last year. For people to say, ‘He made a bunch of money,’ it’s not about money… This is about his services for this season.”

Could Money Be an Issue?

The reality is that there is no clarity regarding the situation. The Steelers have continued to present a positive front regarding the situation. McCarthy spouts off about how often he and Rodgers communicate. General manager Omar Khan and owner Art Rooney II have both shared the sentiment.

That’s why many concluded that this waiting is just a formality, as the eccentric Rodgers takes his good ole time signing the deal. But that’s never been confirmed. Batch might be right on the money regarding the situation. And as he explained, the $13 million salary he played on last year is not commensurate with the rate quarterbacks are paid in the NFL right now.

“That number is not going to be $13 million,” Batch declared. “If you look at the rest of the league, he falls right into that $30 million range.”

Where does that leave things between the Steelers and Rodgers, then?

What Number Makes Sense for Rodgers?

If Rodgers wants to be paid like a top-25 quarterback in the NFL, that would require the Steelers to cough up some more dough than they anticipate. The recent free-agent market set a baseline of $22 million. That’s the average salary on the deal Malik Willis signed with the Miami Dolphins.

It seems that if Batch’s analysis is correct, the Steelers have to pony up at least $20 million to get Rodgers back. Despite the pushback from national media and conflicting information about the subject, Batch is standing firm in the assertion that money is a huge factor preventing the Steelers from knowing their starting QB in 2026.

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PennDOT has announced several major construction projects on the Parkway East this year, including a significant 25-day closure for the Commercial Street Bridge project.

“I think the biggest thing is for all folks, plan ahead. Know where you’re starting from and where you’re going to, and to best determine the route that you should take during the closure period,” PennDOT senior construction manager John Myler said.

Crews are working to finalize preparations to move a new bridge into place.

“It’s not like launching a cruise ship where you just cut some cords and it falls into the water. It will be a very slow process,” Myler said. “We’ll continue to monitor the bridge as we’re moving it, and it will take many hours to move the bridge.”

Transportation officials also provided updates on current projects and a look ahead at future plans.

Part of those plans addresses issues with the notorious “bathtub” portion of I-376 in downtown Pittsburgh.

In 2027, drivers can expect an 11-day closure to the section, which is often prone to flooding.

“Right now the bathtub floods at 25 feet,” PennDOT executive Jason Zang said. “This would get us five more feet, and we think it will drastically reduce how much the ‘bathtub’ floods.”

PennDOT officials assure that, much like the Commercial Street Bridge project, the inconvenience will be worth it in the end.

Multi-Platinum recording artist Bret Michaels joins “Good Morning Football” to chat all things Pittsburgh, from his roots there to the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, and what that all means for his beloved Steelers.

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Video Transcript

We are 21 days away from wow, I mean, come on, I’m supposed to read something and I get to look at Wiz, Brett and Kane.

We are 21 days away from wow, I mean, come on, I’m supposed to read something and I get to look at Wiz, Brett and Kane.

Let’s go.

Let’s go.

The NFL draft kicks off in Pittsburgh and Steel City is bringing it.

The NFL draft kicks off in Pittsburgh and Steel City is bringing it.

They’ve just announced the entertainment series lineup presented by Bud Light.

They’ve just announced the entertainment series lineup presented by Bud Light.

Kane Brown performing on Saturday, April 25th.

Kane Brown performing on Saturday, April 25th.

Pittsburgh natives Brett, Michael, and Wiz Khalifa taking the stage Friday, the 24th, dare I say.

Pittsburgh natives Brett, Michael, and Wiz Khalifa taking the stage Friday, the 24th, dare I say.

Nothing but a good time.

Nothing but a good time.

Oh my, look who we got Bret Michaels, friend of our show, we know him we love him.

Oh my, look who we got Bret Michaels, friend of our show, we know him we love him.

He is a longtime GMFB legend.

He is a longtime GMFB legend.

Mr. Brett, good morning.

Mr. Brett, good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning, man.

Good morning, man.

I am fired up and thank you for having me back on.

I am fired up and thank you for having me back on.

This is awesome.

This is awesome.

I mean, what a promotion to be a part of, to be invited with this.

I mean, what a promotion to be a part of, to be invited with this.

What is, why is it so special for you though, Brett?

What is, why is it so special for you though, Brett?

We love the origin story for you in this participation.

We love the origin story for you in this participation.

Here it is, uh, first of all, uh, where I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Butler, uh, you know, my whole family lives there, works there, my dad not only oncoste, uh, also a veteran, and the reason I’m so excited, I grew up with loving football, sports, music, and to be able to come back to Pittsburgh with my good friend Wiz Khalifa.

Here it is, uh, first of all, uh, where I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Butler, uh, you know, my whole family lives there, works there, my dad not only oncoste, uh, also a veteran, and the reason I’m so excited, I grew up with loving football, sports, music, and to be able to come back to Pittsburgh with my good friend Wiz Khalifa.

And we have, we have rocked before together.

And we have, we have rocked before together.

We’re going to mash this up and on Friday night at 5:30 make this the most incredible.

We’re going to mash this up and on Friday night at 5:30 make this the most incredible.

We’re going to hit that stage and just explode.

We’re going to hit that stage and just explode.

I called it all killer hits, no filler.

I called it all killer hits, no filler.

It’s going to be awesome.

It’s going to be awesome.

OK, OK, OK, Brett, you said you’re going to mash up.

OK, OK, OK, Brett, you said you’re going to mash up.

You mentioned Wiz Khalifa.

You mentioned Wiz Khalifa.

Could there be a mashup ?

Could there be a mashup ?

Of like a rock, hip hop, black and yellow remix there going on like come on, fill me in some details, man.

Of like a rock, hip hop, black and yellow remix there going on like come on, fill me in some details, man.

I’m giving you full detail right now.

I’m giving you full detail right now.

Here’s the scoop.

Here’s the scoop.

We, so we, we started, we started talking about this.

We, so we, we started, we started talking about this.

We’re calling it black and yellow, nothing but a good time, nothing but a good draft right in Pittsburgh 2026.

We’re calling it black and yellow, nothing but a good time, nothing but a good draft right in Pittsburgh 2026.

We are mashing it up.

We are mashing it up.

We’re building the stage out together.

We’re building the stage out together.

It it’s gonna be unbelievable, and then we, we’re making a song that we’re kind of putting together ourselves, and this, it’s just gonna be, like I said, I’m ready to be there now.

It it’s gonna be unbelievable, and then we, we’re making a song that we’re kind of putting together ourselves, and this, it’s just gonna be, like I said, I’m ready to be there now.

Like I’m ready to go.

Like I’m ready to go.

I’m ready to go.

I’m ready to go.

Let’s go, Brett.

Let’s go, Brett.

I absolutely love it, man.

I absolutely love it, man.

You are the definition of Steeler Nation, and you’re constantly rocking the gear.

You are the definition of Steeler Nation, and you’re constantly rocking the gear.

So I gotta ask, how many terrible towels do you have and do you have any good luck charms, any superstitions before the game?

So I gotta ask, how many terrible towels do you have and do you have any good luck charms, any superstitions before the game?

Great question.

Great question.

I, I’m not gonna lie to you, I have hundreds of terrible towels because it’s all I asked for.

I, I’m not gonna lie to you, I have hundreds of terrible towels because it’s all I asked for.

When I was a kid, um, I got, so football and music, quick story, saved my life, right?

When I was a kid, um, I got, so football and music, quick story, saved my life, right?

I’m a diabetic since the age of 6. when you’re growing up, uh, in, in a town when you didn’t have a lot of, uh, answers for diabetes yet.

I’m a diabetic since the age of 6. when you’re growing up, uh, in, in a town when you didn’t have a lot of, uh, answers for diabetes yet.

It gave me a lot of hope right to this day and inspiration, and with that came a lot of superstition for wins, right?

It gave me a lot of hope right to this day and inspiration, and with that came a lot of superstition for wins, right?

We would, we had all kinds of things in my family, but one of them, I’m going back, I’m harking back to this , right?

We would, we had all kinds of things in my family, but one of them, I’m going back, I’m harking back to this , right?

I, I, I rub it for good luck and I got this.

I, I, I rub it for good luck and I got this.

I don’t know, you, you’re all young.

I don’t know, you, you’re all young.

I’m gonna say this, my my.

I’m gonna say this, my my.

Christmas gift came in an octagon cardboard box with a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform.

Christmas gift came in an octagon cardboard box with a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform.

They forgot to inform us the helmet wasn’t protective.

They forgot to inform us the helmet wasn’t protective.

That may have been part of my, uh, my issues.

That may have been part of my, uh, my issues.

I’m not making light of it.

I’m not making light of it.

I’m saying that, but they, it is the best thing, we rub it for good luck, um, and in Pittsburgh, we have Pittsburghhes.

I’m saying that, but they, it is the best thing, we rub it for good luck, um, and in Pittsburgh, we have Pittsburghhes.

So we’ll always be like, hey, Jin wanna come on down here.

So we’ll always be like, hey, Jin wanna come on down here.

Yin’s gonna go down there to the game to see the Steelers, and, and I’m telling you, it’s, it’s real, but we are passionate about football.

Yin’s gonna go down there to the game to see the Steelers, and, and I’m telling you, it’s, it’s real, but we are passionate about football.

It is a football city.

It is a football city.

Obviously got terrible towels, stuff hanging.

Obviously got terrible towels, stuff hanging.

All over the guitars and I love it.

All over the guitars and I love it.

I love it.

I love it.

Brett, that’s awesome.

Brett, that’s awesome.

Hey, I first of all, before I ask the question, I gotta give some love to the T1D nation out there.

Hey, I first of all, before I ask the question, I gotta give some love to the T1D nation out there.

I have a daughter who’s 14 now who’s been T1D since she was she was 3 years old, so shout out to you.

I have a daughter who’s 14 now who’s been T1D since she was she was 3 years old, so shout out to you.

I know, I know the journey all too well.

I know, I know the journey all too well.

Uh, but yes sir, and to her, we are, we are the diabetic duo, and that’s what with my like Rocks Foundation, we’re doing a big thing there with the draft in the NFL, uh, and a big part of it with diabetes, and you just tell her to keep on rocking the world.

Uh, but yes sir, and to her, we are, we are the diabetic duo, and that’s what with my like Rocks Foundation, we’re doing a big thing there with the draft in the NFL, uh, and a big part of it with diabetes, and you just tell her to keep on rocking the world.

I definitely will let her know, man.

I definitely will let her know, man.

Well, Brett, OK, I need to know.

Well, Brett, OK, I need to know.

I need you to set the stage for us.

I need you to set the stage for us.

We’re about to come to your house and watch a Steelers game.

We’re about to come to your house and watch a Steelers game.

What is the environment?

What is the environment?

What’s required?

What’s required?

How’s it going down?

How’s it going down?

Alright, so first of all, it’s a party.

Alright, so first of all, it’s a party.

I, I, I’m one of these guys.

I, I, I’m one of these guys.

I’m not making this up.

I’m not making this up.

It, it’s anyone who’s been there knows my whole family.

It, it’s anyone who’s been there knows my whole family.

There’s a lot of food.

There’s a lot of food.

There’s a lot of pierogi.

There’s a lot of pierogi.

Uh, I’m just throwing it out there.

Uh, I’m just throwing it out there.

There’s a lot of, there’s a lot of adult beverages everywhere, right?

There’s a lot of, there’s a lot of adult beverages everywhere, right?

Good times are happening.

Good times are happening.

Uh, the game is on and there’s two rooms.

Uh, the game is on and there’s two rooms.

There’s the party happy, we’re winning room.

There’s the party happy, we’re winning room.

And then there’s the room they put me in if I’m not winning.

And then there’s the room they put me in if I’m not winning.

That’s all I’m gonna say.

That’s all I’m gonna say.

I, I get isolated quickly, uh, a lot of remotes have been broken, right?

I, I get isolated quickly, uh, a lot of remotes have been broken, right?

And a lot of great times have been had, so it’s, but honest to God, it’s a, it’s a party with music jamming, everyone having a great time, and I said.

And a lot of great times have been had, so it’s, but honest to God, it’s a, it’s a party with music jamming, everyone having a great time, and I said.

If I’ve learned one thing about uh being able to go out and play music, be able to be at the draft in the amazing city of Pittsburgh, uh, is that just treat people amazing and and be passionate about what you do.

If I’ve learned one thing about uh being able to go out and play music, be able to be at the draft in the amazing city of Pittsburgh, uh, is that just treat people amazing and and be passionate about what you do.

It’s the reason I love your show, the passion you all have for a game that I love as a fan.

It’s the reason I love your show, the passion you all have for a game that I love as a fan.

And you all being incredible, that that’s what matters to me, Brett.

And you all being incredible, that that’s what matters to me, Brett.

We love having you on GMFB.

We love having you on GMFB.

So many ideas already.

So many ideas already.

Like your next tour name should be called Pererogis and Red Solo Cups.

Like your next tour name should be called Pererogis and Red Solo Cups.

I think the fact that you just said that, you better TM that you can have it.

I think the fact that you just said that, you better TM that you can have it.

It’s my gift to you.

It’s my gift to you.

And also what did you say it was uh killer hits and no filler.

And also what did you say it was uh killer hits and no filler.

Like that’s all the linebackers here at the table today.

Like that’s all the linebackers here at the table today.

I know all line.

I know all line.

Let me say this all killer, no filler.

Let me say this all killer, no filler.

It’s all killer hits.

It’s all killer hits.

That’s linebacker lingo, Brett.

That’s linebacker lingo, Brett.

I’m giving it to you.

I’m giving it to you.

Go ahead.

Go ahead.

Sorry.

Sorry.

It’s just an exchange of ideas.

It’s just an exchange of ideas.

All right, Bret Michaels, everybody, uh, everyone go out and see Brett on the road and a live and amplified tour.

All right, Bret Michaels, everybody, uh, everyone go out and see Brett on the road and a live and amplified tour.

Check out the dates and tickets at retmichaels.com.

Check out the dates and tickets at retmichaels.com.

Bret Michaels, everybody, OK, I didn’t go to your, go to your house and watch games.

Bret Michaels, everybody, OK, I didn’t go to your, go to your house and watch games.

That’s what I did, right?

That’s what I did, right?

I love you guys.

I love you guys.

We are gonna do that.

We are gonna do that.

It’s gonna happen.

It’s gonna happen.

I love you too, buddy.

I love you too, buddy.

Heck yes.

Heck yes.

Someday we’re gonna do GMFB live from Brett’s house.

Someday we’re gonna do GMFB live from Brett’s house.

Bye, Brett.

Bye, Brett.

Thank you.

Thank you.

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