Rodgers Tender Gives Steelers 2027 Pick Control — Nbc Sports Network
The Steelers placed an unrestricted free agent tender on Aaron Rodgers, and nbc sports network notes the move gives Pittsburgh more control over his 2026 future. Rodgers can accept a 10 percent raise from his 2025 salary of $13.65 million, but the team also gains leverage if he signs elsewhere.
Rodgers and Pittsburgh
The tender changes Rodgers’ contract framework for 2026 and gives the Steelers free agent compensation in the form of a 2027 pick if he leaves. If he does not sign with a team by July 22 or the first scheduled day of training camp, Pittsburgh owns exclusive negotiating rights with him.
That puts the quarterback situation on a tighter clock. Rodgers has not yet given an answer about his future with the Steelers, and Art Rooney II said the situation would come to a conclusion in the next few weeks.
Steelers quarterback room
Pittsburgh also spent a third-round pick on Penn State quarterback Drew Allar during the 2026 NFL Draft, a move that added another young arm to a room that already includes Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. The tender does not remove Rodgers from that mix, but it does give the Steelers a clearer hold on the veteran’s status while the rest of the room waits.
Tom Pelissero reported that Rodgers’ agent was given a "heads-up" about the tender. The consensus expectation is that Rodgers will eventually sign with the Steelers, which would make the team’s control over the process a short-term advantage rather than a long-term dispute.
July 22 deadline
The practical deadline now sits on the calendar for Rodgers and Pittsburgh. If no deal is done by July 22 or the first scheduled day of training camp, the Steelers control the negotiations and keep the ability to protect their position with a 2027 pick if Rodgers heads elsewhere.
