State of our former QB, Aaron Rodgers

[Firethorn1001]

@Pokerbrat2000 noted on the prior page something about the Steelers might lose a comp pick if they sign Rodgers before the draft, so I figured we wouldn't be hearing anything until after. Surely Rodgers knows this, if that's what's going on.

I've seen this article by Charles Robinson before.

I had always thought that players that were released did not factor into any compensation draft pick compensation. Players who had a contract expire are part of the formula. There are any number of websites that indicate this so, I think he is just incorrect.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I've seen this article by Charles Robinson before.

I had always thought that players that were released did not factor into any compensation draft pick compensation. Players who had a contract expire are part of the formula. There are any number of websites that indicate this so, I think he is just incorrect.

Good point, never thought of that.

The compensatory picks formula is complicated, but I do believe that you are correct.

 

[Thirteen Below]

I've seen this article by Charles Robinson before.

I had always thought that players that were released did not factor into any compensation draft pick compensation. Players who had a contract expire are part of the formula. There are any number of websites that indicate this so, I think he is just incorrect.

Damn... you're right, according to my AI tool. It scoured the web, scanning 40 sources (from Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated to Bolavip and the Times of India), before finally accepting the word of the New York Times. And this is what it found...

If the Pittsburgh Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers, they would not lose compensatory picks in the 2026 NFL Draft because signing Rodgers would not qualify under the compensatory free agent (CFA) formula. According to NFL rules, compensatory picks are awarded based on a team's net loss of CFAs during the prior free agency period. However, players who are released or traded, as opposed to those whose contracts expire and leave as unrestricted free agents, do not count toward this formula359.


Rodgers is currently a free agent due to his release from his previous team, meaning he does not fall under the CFA category. Therefore, signing him would not impact the Steelers' eligibility for compensatory picks in 2026.

So apparently, we are back to the most likely solution - Rodgers is being Rodgers, doing Rodgers-type stuff.