Overview
- Owner Art Rooney II said Wednesday on NFL Network that Aaron Rodgers should decide within the next few weeks as Pittsburgh used a rarely used unrestricted free‑agent tender to protect a compensatory pick and narrow his options near training camp.
- The tender functions as a one‑year offer and can limit Rodgers from signing with another team once camp opens in late July, creating a practical timeline for both sides.
- Pittsburgh drafted Penn State’s Drew Allar at No. 76, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the team sees a big‑arm project with traits reminiscent of a young Joe Flacco who will need footwork work under Mike McCarthy.
- Head coach Mike McCarthy praised second‑year quarterback Will Howard, saying he will be a starter in the league, and early media chatter has Howard as the safer Week 1 option if Rodgers is not in place.
- Ben Roethlisberger voiced skepticism about Allar’s tape on his podcast, underscoring outside scrutiny as the room also includes veteran Mason Rudolph and a potential internal competition if Rodgers’ decision stretches into summer.