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Steelers Offer Rodgers $15 M One-Year Deal, Draft Pick at Stake

5/4/2026

Summary

Rodgers Offered Deal

The Steelers offered quarterback Aaron Rodgers a one-year contract worth just over $15 million.
Rodgers can sign anytime but may negotiate with other teams until July 22 or start of Steelers training camp, whichever is first.
The Arizona Cardinals could sign Rodgers because they hired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, his longtime friend, amid an uncertain quarterback roster.
If Rodgers leaves, the Steelers would receive a compensatory draft pick under NFL rules.

Summary

McCarthy Retains QBs

Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy publicly suggested retaining four quarterbacks on the regular-season roster, the first such move since 2000.
If quarterback Aaron Rodgers signs, the Steelers could trade Mason Rudolph for a 2027 draft pick through the unrestricted free-agent tender.
Analysts say a Rodgers retirement would leave quarterback Howard and rookie Malik Allar battling Mason Rudolph for the backup role, with Allar’s jersey ranking fourth among NFL rookie sellers.

Summary

Khan Drafts Picks

GM Omar Khan’s 2026 draft included twelve picks, with seven offensive selections, and he signed veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and drafted guard Gennings Dunker.
Former quarterback Charlie Batch said Khan’s obsessive rule-reading irritates players, though he praised his cap expertise, while the UFA tender gives Rodgers a 10% raise but blocks free-agency moves until July 22.
Khan, hired in May 2022, is nicknamed the “Khan Artist” for his bold moves.

Summary

Steelers Draft Picks

The Steelers drafted offensive lineman Max Iheanachor as a developmental player, indicating the draft was not driven by quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ preferences.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has historically favored veteran receivers, leading him to target receiver DK Metcalf and receiver Michael Pittman Jr. over rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard.
Analysts argue the Steelers’ recent draft selections would have occurred regardless of Rodgers’ possible arrival.

History

Historical Context

In 2000, Bill Cowher’s Steelers, in their 68th franchise season, kept four quarterbacks—including Kent Graham and Kordell Stewart—to manage salary-cap flexibility and posted a 9-7 record, their first winning season since 1997 and the final year at Three Rivers Stadium. GM Omar Khan now echoes that strategy, offering Aaron Rodgers a one-year contract while preserving draft picks.

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Rodgers Offered Deal

The Steelers offered quarterback Aaron Rodgers a one-year contract worth just over $15 million.
Rodgers can sign anytime but may negotiate with other teams until July 22 or start of Steelers training camp, whichever is first.
The Arizona Cardinals could sign Rodgers because they hired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, his longtime friend, amid an uncertain quarterback roster.
If Rodgers leaves, the Steelers would receive a compensatory draft pick under NFL rules.

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