Aaron Rodgers has yet to determine his future in the NFL, while the Pittsburgh Steelers are already beginning to make certain moves. The team has placed a rare right-of-first-refusal tender on him, meaning he could accept a 10 percent raise over last year’s salary, but the franchise would still have the right to match any offer sheet he signs going forward.
According to Adam Schefter on X, another important condition is that the quarterback would only be able to sign with Pittsburgh once training camp begins. If he does so, his salary would be around $15 million per year.
“The Steelers will receive exclusive negotiating rights for Rodgers if he does not sign by July 22, 2026… If Rodgers signs with a New Club before that date, he would be a potential Compensatory Free Agent (CFA) lost by the Steelers and a potential CFA gained by the New Club if all other requirements are met under the Compensatory Draft System’s rules,” stated the note that was sent by the NFL.
Ian Rapoport added that this decision essentially locks Rodgers in with the Steelers for whenever he decides whether he wants to play. Will the return of A-Rod finally happen ahead of the upcoming NFL season?
Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Where could Rodgers land if he doesn’t return to Pittsburgh?
Meanwhile, as the first moves around the league begin to unfold, many are starting to wonder what the next destination could be for the former Green Bay Packers quarterback if he decides not to return to Steel City. Which team would be willing to pay that salary for a 42-year-old player with an injury history?
His latest stats in Pittsburgh, however, challenge the narrative. The Miami Dolphins currently lack a true franchise quarterback despite the arrival of Malik Willis. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts are still banking on a recovery from Daniel Jones. Most teams around the league already have their starting quarterbacks locked in. So what will ultimately be the destination for No. 8?
Rodgers’ numbers during his last stint in Pittsburgh
In his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, Aaron Rodgers led the team to an AFC North title with a 10-7 record. Despite being 42 years old, he remained efficient, completing 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions over 16 regular-season games.
Rodgers finished the year with a solid 94.8 passer rating, notably kicking off his Steelers tenure with a 4-touchdown performance against the Jets. Although the season ended with a disappointing 30-6 loss to the Texans in the Wild Card round, his veteran presence stabilized the offense, and the team is currently awaiting his decision regarding a potential return for the 2026 season.
Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Alternatives in case of a potential Aaron Rodgers rejection
If Aaron Rodgers decides not to return for the 2026 season, Mike McCarthy and the Steelers’ front office have prepared a multi-layered contingency plan. The depth chart would likely see a battle between Will Howard, who has impressed coaches during the early offseason program, and veteran Mason Rudolph, who remains a reliable “bridge” option under his current contract.
However, the most intriguing alternative is third-round draft pick Drew Allar out of Penn State; while currently viewed as a high-upside developmental project, Allar possesses the prototypical size and arm strength that McCarthy has historically excelled at molding. This trio provides Pittsburgh with a mix of veteran stability and youthful potential as they navigate a possible post-Rodgers era.
