Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers made the play to bring in free agent Aaron Rodgers. However, it took until after the draft and well into the offseason for a deal to come to fruition.
The team finds itself in a similar situation this offseason, awaiting a decision on Rodgers. Still, this time, they’re placing a UFA tender on the quarterback, a move that teams rarely make.
Steelers Make Decision on Aaron Rodgers
In his first season with the Steelers, Rodgers completed 65.7% of passes for 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. According to PFSN’s NFL Quarterback Impact Metric, Rodgers ranked 29th with an impact score of 71.4 and a letter grade of C-.
Now, the team has placed the UFA tender on Rodgers, which is an insurance move to protect themselves.
Steelers beat reporter Nick Farabaugh breaks down the tender, saying: “This is interesting because it does two things: 1. Secures Rodgers’ rights to the Steelers and would net them a comp pick if he went elsewhere. But it likely means he’s a Steeler or retires. 2. Gives a rough parameter of a contract this year.”
This is interesting because it does two things:
1. Secures Rodgers’ rights to the Steelers and would net them a comp pick if he went elsewhere. But it likely means he’s a Steeler or retires.
2. Gives a rough parameters of a contract this year. https://t.co/bvODCEwYgb
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) April 28, 2026
Writer for The Ringer, Diante Lee, talks about how it gives leverage to the Steelers, saying, “Good for the Steelers. If they’re gonna be stuck in the Rodgers soap opera, at least it’s on their own terms.”
Steelers Depot contributor Alex Kozora shares a similar sentiment, posting, “Interesting move here from Pittsburgh. Not sure if Rodgers will love this, but he’s noted there hasn’t been a contract offer. Now…there is. The ball is in his court.”
Interesting move here from Pittsburgh. Not sure if Rodgers will love this, but he’s noted there hasn’t been a contract offer. Now…there is.
Ball is in his court. https://t.co/Tke6ipyyPW
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) April 28, 2026
However, other accounts said that they wish the Steelers would just move on from the Rodgers saga.
Steelers personality Adam Steel posted, “Was hoping they’d just move on.”
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Steelers’ Barstool Podcaster Kevin Adams wrote: “Honestly man.. I know for the sake of competing THIS year, Rodgers is the guy for the Steelers. But I’d prefer not having him back. Not because he sucks. He’s fine for 9-11 wins. But I wanna see the youth play. Let’s rip the band-aid off and see what we have.”
Honestly man.. I know for the sake of competing THIS year, Rodgers is the guy for the Steelers. But I’d prefer not having him back. Not because he sucks. He’s fine for 9-11 wins. But I wanna see the youth play. Let’s rip the bandaid off and see what we have. https://t.co/N1GV09cajX
— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) April 28, 2026
Steelers Analyst Austin Bechtold feels the same way about Rodgers, saying, “It was cool to watch Rodgers play for the Steelers last year, but: – They didn’t win a playoff game – Don’t think he’ll be better than last year – Likely not going to stay as healthy (16 G) – He will be a leader, but take important snaps from Allar & Howard Don’t bring him back.”
Based on the UFA Tender, it’s clear that Pittsburgh wants him back as their quarterback next year. Now, the team once again awaits Rodgers’ decision.
