Overview
- Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Rodgers is set to meet with the Steelers on Friday and is likely to play for them in 2026, though no contract is signed yet.
- The Steelers placed a rare right‑of‑first‑refusal tender after the draft that would pay about $15 million for one year, lets Pittsburgh match outside offers, and shifts to exclusive negotiating rights after July 22.
- Local hosts Dorin Dickerson and Adam Crowley said Rodgers would be in Pittsburgh and expected to sign this weekend, a report that has not been confirmed by a signed agreement.
- Talk tying Rodgers to the Cardinals cooled after Rapoport and Adam Schefter said they do not expect him to sign with Arizona, and Arizona’s staff signaled focus on their current quarterbacks.
- Pittsburgh’s room currently features Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and third‑round pick Drew Allar, OTAs start May 18, and Reuters noted it is hard to see Rodgers playing on only the $15 million tender, which adds pressure to finish a longer deal.