Steelers place right of first refusal tender on QB Aaron Rodgers

According to ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers are doing something almost completely unheard of with their quarterback position. The team is placing the rare right of first refusal tender on quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

What this means is the team creates an offer sheet that includes a 10 percent raise over last season's salary. The player has the right to negotiate with other teams, and if Rodgers wants to sign with another team, they must then provide an offer sheet. The Steelers would have the first opportunity to match the offer. If the Steelers would decline the offer sheet, Rodgers could sing elsewhere and the best they could hope for in return would be a comp pick.

Here is the note about Aaron Rodgers that was sent to NFL teams: https://t.co/fc2LrDv2Ffpic.twitter.com/RRfvf3LhVL— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2026

This is a smart move as Rodgers continues to lead the team on for a second-straight offseason. It sets the wheels in motion for Rodgers and lets him know where his value is. That isn't to say if another team offered Rodgers $30 million, the Steelers couldn't match it but based on this it seems highly unlikely they would.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers place right of first refusal tender on QB Aaron Rodgers