NEWSLETTER
Aaron Rodgers, a long-time tormentor of the Chicago Bears, isn’t going anywhere. In fact, the Green Bay Packers are reportedly making him the highest paid player in NFL history on a new four-year deal worth $200 million.*
The #Packers and MVP QB Aaron Rodgers have agreed to terms on a 4-year, $200M deal that makes him the highest paid player in NFL history, sources say. He gets a whopping $153M guaranteed and his cap number goes down. A monstrous commitment by GB for years to come. 💰 💰 💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2022
*There are some early debates on the final dollar figure, but there is no debate that an extension is in place and Aaron Rodgers is returning, likely as the highest paid player in NFL history.
Well, at least Rodgers didn’t hold Green Bay or the football world hostage for months on end before making a decision.
This is a monumental deal for Rodgers, the Packers, other NFC North teams, and the rest of football. Rodgers gets his money and recognition as the highest-paid player in league history after putting on a dog and pony show the last year or so. And the Packers get to not play Jordan Love, who didn’t look ready for primetime during his cameo start last season. But it’s about more than the Packers. Because not only does this four-year, $200 million deal keep Rodgers in Green Bay, it removes other teams who had been stalking his status from consideration. So my condolences go out to folks in Nashville who thought a deal could be in the works. And my thoughts go out to those in Denver. Turns out finding a franchise quarterback is as difficult (if not more!) as finding a franchise cornerback.
Reeling it back in locally, this stings the Bears, Vikings, and Lions for obvious reasons. Rodgers’ return keeps the Packers as favorites atop the division for the foreseeable future. And considering all three of the teams in the NFC North are either in the first or second year with a new GM-head coach tandem, each squad has a ways to go before it can conceivably challenge Green Bay at the highest level. This isn’t to say the Bears (or anyone else for that matter) should stop trying. Heck no. But Rodgers’ return puts things in a different light, as to where his departure would’ve set up for a free-for-all in the division.
If it is any consolation, there are real challenges in building a championship winner with the Packers’ cap situation being what it is. Look no further than what the Saints were doing with Drew Brees at the end of his run. However, if the post-Rodgers fallout looks anything like New Orleans, then at least we have that to look forward to in a few years.
UPDATE: And there it is, Rodgers No. 1 receiver returns, as well.
Thanks to the new cap room, the #Packers are expected to franchise tag WR Davante Adams. https://t.co/H4GeatDNpm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2022
