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Steelers Tender Aaron Rodgers, Offer $15M Deal

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed a rare unrestricted free-agent tender on quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The tender provides a compensatory draft pick if Rodgers signs elsewhere, exclusive negotiation rights until July 22, and a deal with a 10% raise that lifts his 2026 salary to over $15 million.
Owner Art Rooney II called the move “not a big deal,” said he expects Rodgers to stay as 2026 quarterback and decide in the next few weeks.

History

Historical Context

After the NFL’s 1948 option clause replaced the perpetual reserve clause, the league used the Rozelle rule to limit player movement until a 1975 antitrust ruling struck it down. Plan B, limiting protection to 37 players, operated from 1989-1992, and the March 1 1993 collective-bargaining agreement finally instituted unrestricted free agency and the franchise tag, reshaping roster negotiations.

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Story summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed a rare unrestricted free-agent tender on quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The tender provides a compensatory draft pick if Rodgers signs elsewhere, exclusive negotiation rights until July 22, and a deal with a 10% raise that lifts his 2026 salary to over $15 million.
Owner Art Rooney II called the move “not a big deal,” said he expects Rodgers to stay as 2026 quarterback and decide in the next few weeks.

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