Steelers place rare contract tender on Aaron Rodgers

TL;DR

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed a rare right-of-first-refusal tender on Aaron Rodgers, allowing him to accept a $15 million salary for the season. If he signs with another team before July 22, the Steelers could receive a compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Key points

Steelers placed right-of-first-refusal tender on Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers can accept a 10% raise, totaling about $15 million
Steelers can match any offer he receives from other teams
Rodgers can only sign with Steelers after training camp begins
Potential for compensatory pick in 2027 NFL Draft

Pittsburgh SteelersAaron RodgersHouston Texans

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images After months of speculation and no process, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally got one step closer to signing Aaron Rodgers. Per Adam Schefter, the Steelers placed the right-of-first refusal tender on the four-time MVP. “The Steelers placed the rare right-of-first-refusal tender on Aaron Rodgers, meaning that he can accept a 10 percent raise off last year’s salary, which would pay him about $15 million this season, and the Steeelrs also now will have the right to match any offer sheet he would sign with another team,” Schefter reports. “As another condition of the tender, Rodgers would only be able to sign with the Steelers once training camp begins.” This means Rodgers is still eligible to sign with any team, but if he doesn’t sign anywhere by July 22, he will only be able to sign with the Steelers from that point forward. If he does sign with a new team before that date, he could become a potential compensatory free agent, meaning the Steelers could potentially get a compensatory pick for him in the 2027 NFL Draft. ***Let us know what you think in the comments***. ***Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!***

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Q&A

What is the right-of-first-refusal tender placed on Aaron Rodgers?

The right-of-first-refusal tender allows Rodgers to accept a 10% salary increase, making his pay approximately $15 million, while the Steelers can match any offer from another team.

What happens if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign with another team by July 22?

If Rodgers does not sign with another team by July 22, he can only sign with the Steelers once training camp begins.

How could the Steelers benefit if Aaron Rodgers signs with another team?

If Rodgers signs with another team before July 22, he could become a compensatory free agent, potentially allowing the Steelers to receive a compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.