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Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback took another twist, because of course, right? The Steelers placed the unrestricted free agent tender on Aaron Rodgers.
It essentially means the Steelers are protected in the event Rodgers signs for another team, per ESPN, but it now feels like the franchise isn't as sold on Rodgers returning in 2026, and if he is, Pittsburgh might not be the choice.
Otherwise, why would you use this tag on a quarterback?
For ESPN's Brooke Pryor, there could now be doubt over where he'll play in 2026.
"The Steelers have remained confident throughout the offseason that Rodgers would return, but even as a "procedural" move, as one front office source called it, placing the UFA tender on Rodgers signals there is at least a sliver of doubt he'll be the franchise's starting quarterback for another season," Pryor wrote.
More: Insider drops big Broncos injury update on Bo Nix
Time for Steelers to walk away from Rodgers?
Well, I've stated all offseason that the Steelers can only wait so long for Rodgers' decision, and the fact that we are now after the NFL Draft and the Steelers have no idea who their starting quarterback is, quite frankly, laughable.
But Pittsburgh clearly felt like it knew Rodgers' intentions, but now? Maybe not so much.
Of course, he could still sign in Pittsburgh or retire, but it doesn't seem as clear-cut what the veteran quarterback will do now. Otherwise, why would the Steelers use this tag?
The long-running saga of "what will Rodgers do?" just took another turn.
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