Story perspectives

Steelers Tender Aaron Rodgers, Boost Salary to $15 M

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed an unrestricted free-agent tender on quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Monday, April 27.
The tender raises Rodgers’s salary by 10 % to $15 million, gives Pittsburgh a compensatory draft pick if he signs elsewhere, and secures exclusive negotiation rights after July 22 through Week 10.
Owner Art Rooney II said the team has been in contact with Rodgers and expects a decision in the next few weeks.

History

Historical Context

In 1993, the NFL instituted unrestricted free agency and the franchise tag, reshaping player movement and team control. The league’s owners, represented by Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, paired the new system with a $5.5 million franchise-tag ceiling, affecting 30 veteran contracts that season. Today, the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by Art Rooney II, tender quarterback Aaron Rodgers, raising his pay 10 % to $15 million and securing a pick if he departs. This mirrors the 1993 precedent, where teams leveraged tender mechanisms to retain star talent, prompting ongoing debates over player autonomy and league parity.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed an unrestricted free-agent tender on quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Monday, April 27.
The tender raises Rodgers’s salary by 10 % to $15 million, gives Pittsburgh a compensatory draft pick if he signs elsewhere, and secures exclusive negotiation rights after July 22 through Week 10.
Owner Art Rooney II said the team has been in contact with Rodgers and expects a decision in the next few weeks.

1 / 2