Steelers receive good news on Aaron Rodgers ahead of OTAs

The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the NFL world by placing a rare unrestricted free agent tender on Aaron Rodgers, leading some to assume there may be trouble in paradise. But one prominent insider has provided an update on the situation, believing the UFA tender isn't what others have made it out to be with OTAs almost two weeks away.

Making an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, NFL insider Tom Pelissero discussed the motivation for placing the tender on Rodgers, believing the Steelers were just "protecting themselves," not that anyone believes he'll actually sign with another team.

"Nobody believes that's the direction this is going," Pelissero said Rodgers signing elsewhere. "You can have injuries happen some place else that change the dynamics. [The Steelers] are just protecting themselves because why would you not in this particular case? July 22, that's when they would own his exclusive rights through the season. Everybody anticipates his decision is coming sooner than later. Rooney said the next several weeks, I have told you on this show, Rich, May 18 — the first day of OTAs. That's the date to circle on the calendar."

The Steelers waited on Rodgers until June 2025, and it paid off in a big way, as the veteran quarterback was able to turn back the clock, throwing for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns while only giving up seven interceptions.

Rodgers' return by OTAs would be a welcomed addition with two young, unproven quarterback prospects on the roster, but it also may force the Steelers to reevaluate Mason Rudolph's future with the team.

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