No tender for Steelers WR Rogers, making him free agent

Joe Rutter
Tuesday, March 13, 2018 5:54 p.m. | Tuesday, March 13, 2018 5:54 p.m.

Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review

Steelers receiver Eli Rogers catches a touchdown pass in front of the Patriots' Eric Rowe during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, at Heinz Field.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Steelers offensive lineman Chris Hubbard plays against the Bears Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017 at Soldier Field.

Steelers slot receiver Eli Rogers said he will not be offered a tender as a restricted free agent, making him eligible to sign with any team when free agency begins Wednesday at 4 p.m.

Rogers wrote on his verified Twitter account: "Going on the Market The BullsEye in a target."

Going on the Market The BullsEye In a target.

— Eli Rogers (@__bELIeve17) March 13, 2018

The lowest tender amount Rogers was eligible to receive was $1.907 million, with the Steelers receiving no compensation if another team signed him. But Rogers still could return to the Steelers under a lesser amount. After tearing his ACL late in the AFC divisional playoff loss to Jacksonville, Rogers might not be healthy until later in the offseason, giving the Steelers time to decide whether to bring him back.

Rogers lost playing time in the slot to rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster last season, and his production dropped from 48 catches for 594 yards in 2017 to 18 catches for 149 yards in 2018. Rogers also finished last season as the team's top punt returner.

The Steelers offered a second-round tender of $2.914 million to kicker Chris Boswell and a low-round tender of $1.907 million to outside linebacker Anthony Chickillo. The Steelers are hoping to sign Boswell to a long-term contract.