Steelers Place Right-of-First-Refusal Tender on Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed the rare right-of-first-refusal tender on free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Tuesday, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. It means that Rodgers can accept a 10% raise from last year's salary, which would pay him around $15 million in 2026, and the Steelers also will have the right to match any offer sheet he would sign with another team. Rodgers would only be able to sign with the Steelers once training camp begins, as another condition of the tender. The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer has not informed Pittsburgh of his decision on whether he wants to continue his career and re-sign with the team, but all signs continue to point to a reunion with new head coach Mike McCarthy. The Steelers drafted QB Drew Allar in the third round last week, but if Rodgers returns, he will be the team's starter under center for a second straight season. Pittsburgh has added some reinforcements at receiver behind DK Metcalf, including former Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr., but Rodgers should still be viewed as more of a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex leagues in 2026 if he's back for another season.

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter