The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed the rare right-of-first-refusal tender on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, per @AdamSchefter. This specific designation allows the veteran quarterback to accept a 10 percent raise over his salary from the previous season, which would pay him approximately $15 million for the upcoming year.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the right-of-first-refusal tender is a unique tool that grants the Steelers the opportunity to match any contract offer Rodgers might receive from another franchise during the free agency period. If another team extends an offer sheet to Rodgers, the Steelers will have the chance to match those terms to keep him in Pittsburgh. If they choose not to match, Rodgers can sign with the new team, though the Steelers would not receive draft pick compensation under this specific tender type.
This move highlights the Steelers' intent to manage their roster while providing Rodgers a clear path to a salary increase. The $15 million salary represents a calculated move by the front office to maintain stability at the quarterback position while keeping financial flexibility as the offseason progresses.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting