The long rumored contract extension for Aaron Rodgers came to light on Wednesday, as multiple sources announced the Green Bay Packers have signed their star quarterback to a contract extension. The team confirmed the deal had been done, but did not provide details.
NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport reported that Rodgers will receive $134 million over four years, making him the highest paid player in the NFL. Rodgers will get $80 million of that by March. The previous record for the largest deal in the league was the five-year, $150 million extension Matt Ryan signed with the Falcons earlier this offseason that made him the first quarterback to make $30 million per season. Rodgers will make $33.5 million per season with his new deal.
Prior to Ryan’s deal, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo inked a deal in February for $137.5 million. That also was for five years.
Worth the Money?
Rodgers has been one of the most statistically proficient signal callers in the game since taking over for Brett Favre in 2008. In his 10 years as the Packers starter and three years as a reserve, he has 3,188 passes for 38,502 yards and 313 touchdowns. He has been named MVP twice, All-Pro three times, and selected to five Pro Bowl teams. He also was the MVP of Super Bowl 45 on Feb. 6, 2011, when the Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25.
Since Rodgers was named the starter 10 years ago, the team has been to the playoffs every single year since, except for last season, when he was out with a broken collarbone.
Before that injury, however, Rodgers had led the team to three Conference Championships in their 10-year playoff appearances.
Ready for Rebound Season
Rodgers missed most of 2017 after Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr drove him into the turf, breaking the collarbone on his throwing shoulder. He tried to comeback in December, but the shoulder wasn’t fully healed, and he sat out the rest of the season.
His return to training camp was eagerly anticipated by coaches and players. Head coach Mike McCarthy was impressed with Rodgers this summer.
“He’s on fire,” McCarthy said. “The offense has been performing at a very high level during camp, and we know where that starts. I think it’s like anything with Aaron — the more opportunities to truly compete, the more it brings out the best in him. And we’re putting him out there a lot, because we want our defense to experience that and try to rise to the challenge.”
Sportsbooks also believe Rodgers could have a strong season. That is evidenced by his favorite status to win MVP. He is at +500 for that honor, overtaking Tom Brady. He is also a top pick for Comeback Player of the Year +450.
Can the Green Bay quarterback win both honors? No player has done so in the history of the award, so it appears unlikely. Rodgers has won MVP twice, so if he has a strong season, voters might give him CPOY and hand the MVP to someone.
