Why the Steelers placed a seldom-used UFA tender on quarterback Aaron Rodgers

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Apr 28, 2026

Published in Football

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PITTSBURGH — If such a thing is possible, there is even more intrigue surrounding the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The Steelers have notified the NFL that they have placed the seldom-used unrestricted free agent tender on Rodgers, a move done to protect themselves in the event another team would consider signing the former four-time league MVP, sources confirmed to the Post-Gazette on Tuesday.

ESPN first reported the news.

The Steelers placed the tender on Rodgers on Monday in compliance with the league deadline.

The Steelers retain exclusive negotiating rights with Rodgers until July 22. If he signs with another team before that date, the Steelers could potentially be eligible to receive a compensatory pick in the 2027 draft.

That’s why the Steelers placed the tender on Rodgers — a formality to protect their ability to get a compensatory pick, sources said. The Steelers would not receive a compensatory pick if Rodgers signed with another team after July 22.

The Steelers have been operating under the belief Rodgers, 42, was either returning to them for the 2026 season or retiring. They do not expect him to sign with another team. He never cleaned out his locker at the team’s South Side facility.

Unlike last season, when other teams were reported to be interested in signing Rodgers after his unceremonious departure from the New York Jets, there was not any reported interest in the former Green Bay Packers star following his first season with the Steelers.

As a tendered UFA, Rodgers could accept a 10% raise in salary in 2026 — slightly more than $15 million. But the Steelers have never believed money was the holdup in Rodgers’ delaying his decision to return.

At this point, what other team would be interested in Rodgers?

Teams with rookie quarterbacks would make sense as suitors. However, the Las Vegas Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins before drafting Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. And the Los Angeles Rams don’t need a mentor for Ty Simpson because they already have Matthew Stafford in place.

But a team like the Arizona Cardinals, who took Carson Beck with the first pick on the third round, might be interested in Rodgers.

The Cardinals have quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew on their roster, hardly the type of mentor Rodgers would be for Beck. Plus, the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator is Nathaniel Hackett, who was Rodgers’ offensive coordinator in Green Bay and New York.