diff --git a/.github/workflows/template_automerge_dependabot.yml b/.github/workflows/template_automerge_dependabot.yml
index a4652cc8..89b56680 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/template_automerge_dependabot.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/template_automerge_dependabot.yml
@@ -46,6 +46,10 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Load dependabot metadata
         id: metadata
+        # Soft-fail: for non-genuine dependabot PRs (e.g. unverified/rebased commits)
+        # fetch-metadata calls setFailed. Swallow it so the check stays green;
+        # empty outputs make the merge step below a no-op.
+        continue-on-error: true
         uses: dependabot/fetch-metadata@25dd0e34f4fe68f24cc83900b1fe3fe149efef98 # v3.1.0
         with:
           github-token: ${{ steps.get_token.outputs.token }}