USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Aaron Rodgers is again doing what Aaron Rodgers does — making his team patiently await a decision on his future. As a result, the Pittsburgh Steelers are having to get creative with his contract by utilizing a rare clause.
According to ESPN‘s Adam Schefter, the Steelers have placed a right-of-first-refusal tender on Aaron Rodgers — offering approximately $15 million, roughly a 10% raise — which gives Pittsburgh the right to match any external offer sheet Rodgers signs and prevents him from departing until training camp begins.
Pittsburgh Steelers have enacted a rare contract mechanism as they continue to wait on a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers about his future
The right-of-first-refusal tender is a rarely-used contract mechanism that will keep Pittsburgh in control of his destination without committing to a full contract to the mercurial signal-caller.
The move with Rodgers’ contract comes following a tough couple of weeks for Pittsburgh’s front office, as the Steelers’ draft picks leaving many fans of the franchise frustrated, especially considering he Makai Lemon phone-gate debacle in Round 1 that saw the Eagles pipe them to their planned first round pick.
The Steelers instead selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with what amounted to an “autopick” in fantasy football drafts. They also selected Penn State QB Drew Allar in the third round, another controversial pick.
In his first season with the Steelers last year, Rodgers started in 16 regular season games and had a passer rating of 94.8 with 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions while leading the Steelers to an AFC North divisional title and a Wildcard Round defeat to the Houston Texans.
Bookies currently have the Steelers (+500) as the third-favorites to win the AFC North behind the favorite Baltimore Ravens (-115) and the Cincinnati Bengals (+210).
The 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers schedule features home games at Acrisure Stadium against the Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Falcons, Panthers, Broncos, Texans, and Colts, and away games against Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Jacksonville, New England, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, and Chicago.