PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a strategic move to maintain their connection with Aaron Rodgers while protecting their interests should the veteran quarterback choose to play elsewhere.
On Monday, Pittsburgh filed an unrestricted free-agent tender on the four-time MVP, ensuring they would receive a compensatory draft pick should the 42-year-old decide to join a different team during the 2026 campaign.
Both General Manager Omar Khan and new head coach Mike McCarthy continue to express strong confidence that Rodgers will return following his role in securing the team’s AFC North championship last season.
Communication between the organization and Rodgers has remained consistent since the season concluded, with Khan stating after the NFL draft that selecting former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round has no bearing on their desire to retain Rodgers.
The tender arrangement doesn’t prevent Rodgers from joining another franchise or provide Pittsburgh with matching rights for any offers he might receive before July 22.
However, it does provide the Steelers with compensation should he depart before training camp begins in late July. Once camp starts, Pittsburgh would hold exclusive negotiating privileges with Rodgers.
The tender also establishes Rodgers’ potential earnings, entitling him to a 10% increase over his 2025 compensation should he return for what would be his 22nd NFL season.
In January, Rodgers indicated he would make his decision “down the line.” While the Steelers hoped for clarity before the draft, that timeline didn’t materialize.
Pittsburgh’s voluntary organized team activities begin May 18, with mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 2-4.
Last year, Rodgers bypassed OTAs completely, ultimately signing his one-year contract with the Steelers shortly after minicamp concluded.
