NEWSLETTER
After sorting out their backup quarterback conundrum earlier today by trading away Brett Hundley and opening up the backup job for DeShone Kizer, the Green Bay Packers have reportedly also locked in their starting quarterback situation for the foreseeable future:
https://twitter.com/89JonesNTAF/status/1034850635613495296
Wow. This is a deal that has definitely been in the works for quite some time, though it’s not as if it didn’t have its hurdles. If you remember, Rodgers was outspoken (somewhat openly against the Packers) throughout an offseason that saw his team get rid of his position coach and one of his favorite targets. In any case, it sounds like those hatchets have been buried, because this is one hell of a deal for Rodgers.
Indeed, inking a four-year extension, which will reportedly feature more than $100 million in guarantees, will keep the two-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion in Green Bay for a long while. Though, to be sure, we’re not quite clear on whether this four-year extension begins immediately, replacing (or supplementing) the two years he still has remaining on his current deal, OR if it starts fresh after these two years (or does something more creative like replacing just one of the years (we really don’t know yet)).
But we do know that the money starts pouring in very soon.
Aaron Rodgers new deal with the Packers will be with $176m-180m total, per source. Big feature is cash flow: $67m before end of calendar, over $80m before St. Patrick’s Day next year, $103m practically guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 29, 2018
Either way – once all the details are hashed out/released – it’s become very likely that Rodgers will become the highest-paid player in NFL history. So move over, Matt Ryan. Here’s hoping you enjoyed your moment in the sun and time at the top of the pile.
It’s certainly a well-earned contract for Rodgers, who is arguably the best player at the most important position in the sport. And even though an injury shortened his 2017 season, there haven’t been too many signs that the Packers signal caller is slowing down any time soon. So while that’s good news for Green Bay, the fans in Detroit, Minnesota, and of course, Chicago are probably muttering expletives under their breaths upon hearing that this is getting close to a done deal. (What? Don’t act like it’s just me.)
Ugh … I’m already sick of this grin.
Michael Cerami contributed to this post.
