Pittsburgh Steelers place tender on quarterback Aaron Rodgers

April 28 (UPI) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers placed a rare unrestricted free agent tender on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a league source told UPI on Tuesday.

News of the application of the tender was sent to NFL teams. Rodgers signed a 1-year, $13.6 million deal with the Steelers last off-season. The 42-year-old, who has yet to commit to playing in 2026-27, remains free to sign with any NFL franchise.

The tender allows the Steelers to potentially receive a compensatory draft pick if Rodgers signs with another team.

The Steelers also will retain exclusive negotiations rights for the quarterback if he does not sign with another team by July 22 or the first day of Steelers training camp -- whichever date is later.

Rodgers waited until June to sign with the Steelers last off-season. Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar, a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, are the quarterbacks set to be on the Steelers' depth chart at training camp.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan said in February he didn't expect Rodgers' unknown status to "drag on" in 2026 like it did last off-season.

Khan also said "the door is open" for Rodgers' return, but the Steelers would proceed as if he were a free agent. Khan said last week that "nothing's changed" about Rodgers' status.

Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said Allar's selection also does not impact Rodgers' status. Rodgers completed 65.7% of his throws for 3,322 yards, 24 scores and seven interceptions over 16 starts last season for the Steelers.

Steelers organized team activities will be held May 18, 20, 21, 26, 28, 29 and June 8, 9, 11 and 12. Mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 2 to 4.

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