Latest Reports Indicate a Rodgers Extension Likely to be Done By July
The latest reports indicate a contract extension is getting closer for Aaron Rodgers.
By TimBackes
There’s been a lot of speculation throughout the offseason as to when Aaron Rodgers’ long-expected contract extension will be completed. If the latest reports are to be believed, there will likely be a deal in place before training camp begins.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported earlier today that Rodgers and the Packers are expected to have a deal finalized by July.
Rodgers is expected to become the highest-paid player in league history once again this year. Earlier this offseason, Kirk Cousins signed a landmark three year, fully-guaranteed contract that will have long-lasting implications on how contracts are structured for marquee players (specifically quarterbacks) in the NFL.
Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons reached an agreement last week on a five-year, $150 million contract with $100 million guaranteed.
It isn’t out of the question that the Packers were waiting on the Ryan deal to be completed so they would have a bit more leverage in their negotiations—the pressure is now off to give a Cousins-like fully guaranteed deal, as they can still point to Cousins being an outlier. But still, it’s a virtual guarantee that Rodgers will be making more than the $30 million per year Ryan received.
Whenever the contract news does break, you might expect it to come from former Packers wide receiver James Jones, now an NFL Network analyst. Jones said on television that Rodgers told him he’s “going to break the news,” which wouldn’t be surprising—Jones also broke the news of Jordy Nelson signing with the Raiders and Tramon Williams returning to Green Bay.
So as the summer heats up, we’ll likely be getting closer to a record-breaking contract for QB1. And he is certainly worth every penny.
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Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.
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Comments (13)
Samson
May 08, 2018 at 08:50 pm
"Rodgers is expected to become the highest-paid player in league history once again this year."
Oh, joy!!! --- Hey, don't get me wrong. I love AR being the best QB in the NFL & playing for the Pack .... however ...
I'm a Packer Fan first.---- (AR raking in 30 mil + might not work anytime soon)
croatpackfan
May 09, 2018 at 06:15 am
It is always more how contract is structured, than the total guaranteed and total contract value...
Also we are moving to 2021. 2021 expected to be uncaped... This is important why Packers may be very proactive...
Thegreatreynoldo
May 10, 2018 at 04:59 am
Good point, Croat. Note that Atlanta stuck Ryan's highest cap hit in 2021. Also remember that after the last uncapped year, some NFL teams abused it and one got fined $36M in cap space.
TKWorldWide
May 09, 2018 at 05:56 am
I wonder if 12 will wait until after his new contract to refi his mortgage.
Or maybe splurge and buy himself a brand new Dodge Dart.
Bearmeat
May 09, 2018 at 06:31 am
I'd go for the Ford Fusion.... ;)
TKWorldWide
May 09, 2018 at 07:24 am
Ritzy indeed!
PatrickGB
May 09, 2018 at 08:39 am
He deserves it. But like many fans I hope that there is some part of his salary structure that is "Team Friendly". Because for every dollar he (rightfully) earns, its one less for the rest of the team.
Oh well, its the price we pay for the best QB in the league.
Ryan Graham
May 09, 2018 at 09:39 am
Tim Backes, with all due respect what is this based off of? Loosely spoken speculation?
I have to genuinely ask what do either party - Rodgers or the Packers - gain in rushing into a contract? One of two things will happen. Either Rodgers will outplay any contract due to his tendencies to prove everyone wrong when odds are against him (not to say they are but a broken collar bone on the throwing side is kind of a big deal, has everyone forgotten?). Or due to age, depreciation and injury Green Bay will have overpaid Rodgers. Obviously no Packer fan wishes for this, I sure dont. It's just important to remember both have leverage and both weigh out their own risks. So why would either side rush into a contract before he takes the field again legitimately? Not just to shake the nerves in a far-fetched opportunity to make the playoffs.
I understand it's a slow time for football, but puhlease. Let us allow the contract to come to us. If it happens in July, great. I dont think it will and if it doesnt guess who will be back for 2019 regardless? Aaron Rodgers. Stop it...
Thegreatreynoldo
May 10, 2018 at 05:11 am
IDK, a $50M+ dollar check with $80M+ guaranteed at signing for AR to consider while avoiding errant tee shots and other everyday dangers. I do agree that if I were the packers, I'd like to see him in minicamps, and preferably in TC before I signed such a contract.
Spock
May 09, 2018 at 09:48 am
Rodgers still has the same agent and last time they worked with Russ Ball to make it work for both Rodgers and the Packers.
Still, With all the huge QB contracts this year I just can't help visualizing NFL QB agents as Dr. Evil with his pinkie twirling at the side of his mouth saying, "I want you to give me 100 MILLION DOLLARS." :)
Since'61
May 09, 2018 at 09:52 am
I don't doubt that Rodgers will receive the largest NFL contract ever. As for when it gets done I will take the approach of Shakespeare's Hamlet concerning his death;
"There is a special providence in the fall of a sparrow, it will come, when it will come." Thanks, Since '61
Spock
May 09, 2018 at 10:11 am
Since '61, Ah, quoting the bard. CHTV now officially high brow. :)
Personally, my favorite quote from a Shakespeare character expecting death is Mercutio's.
Romeo: "Courage, man; the hurt cannot be much."
Mercutio: "No, 'tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church-door; but 'tis enough, 'twill serve. Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.”
No death bed scenes wanted (!) but hopefully when offered the contract Arod says, " 'tis enough, 'twill serve."
flackcatcher
May 09, 2018 at 02:08 pm
What! A down vote for the bard. Same shame shame......