High five, Donald!
I thought it was a joke at first, but the Green Bay Packers have indeed given Donald Driver, their 35-year-old wide receiver, a two-year contract extension.
Driver was in the final year of his current deal, in which he was scheduled to earn $4 million in base salary and a $2.8 million roster bonus. Terms of the extension haven’t been disclosed, but Driver will be 38 when his new deal expires.
Driver asked the team to renegotiate his contract prior to last season and talks began this summer, according to Jason Wilde.
“I guess you could say since last year, we talked about it. This summer, they agreed to try to get a deal done,” Driver said. “Now, I’m going to retire as a Packer. And that’s something I’ve dreamed of for a long time.
“When it’s all said and done, when I’m done playing, I’m going to be wearing green and gold.”
You’ve got to feel good for Driver because he’s a model citizen and a good teammate, but as we detailed when Driver said he wants to play until he’s 40, not many receivers — even some of the best to ever play the game — were terribly productive after 35.
On the positive side, Driver has had six straight 1,000-yard seasons and is one of the hardest working players on the Packers roster. He also had both of his knees scoped this offseason and says he feels better than he has in years.
Driver’s play over the next two years will ultimately determine whether the Packers made the right move with the extension, but from a business standpoint, history says it doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Let’s hope Driver proves history wrong.
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Couldn’t be any happier about this.
He will in fact prove the doubters wrong…though his final year may show a noticable decline…but the leadership factor will always be a plus! I see him as a permanent fixture for the Pack…perhaps replacing their current receivers coach down the line?
forget business. so happy for driver and for packer fans. I hope he got BIG BIG BIG payday.
I’m willing to bet that his new contract does not include a huge signing bonus. For Clifton and Tauscher the Packers are willing to pay a little extra salary to have the flexibility to cut ties when then time finally comes. Obviously, I hope Driver plays out his contract and has a couple more 1000 yard seasons.
Until we see the structure of the contract, its hard to comment if this was a good business move or not. As a fan, very few people play with more passion and flat out guts than DD. He’s one of the truly good guys that I route for so I’m happy for him and his family. I think I’d like him even if he played for another team (except the Vikings, that is)
wonder what Jordy and James Jones are thinking about this?
w00t! Go Donald!
J ones may be a bit annoyed, but he need’s DD’s help more than anyone on the team (rout running). DD said hat his knee’s feel better than they have in a long while, hoping for a 1000 yard plus season! HOF for DD 2017!
I don’t think he will, but I really hope DD makes it into the HOF. That would be awesome.
One of the real good moves Teddy has made. Donald D is one of the best pure players in the NFL. The media may not fawn over him but how he works,plays, and his toughness is overlooked. Look at the ball busting shots the guy has taken and gets up with a huge smile. Donald is more Green Bay than anyone on the team. Love the Donald.