Quarterback Aaron Rodgers doesn’t exactly have a terrible contract, but when you compare the landscape for quarterback contracts with his level of play it’s clear the Green Bay Packers will have to give him a new deal soon.
Rodgers’ deal, which he signed in 2008, pays him $65 million through 2014 and includes $20 million in guaranteed money. The deal doesn’t put him among the 10 highest paid quarterbacks in the league, although he’s clearly among that group based on performance.
Rodgers isn’t exactly worried about it, though.
“It’s not something I think about. We were so blessed to be able to have that contract done in 2008. We knew at the time that was more money than I ever could have imagined signing for, and it was a no-brainer for me. But we knew if I performed the way I felt I was capable of performing, that by league standards that by the time I got into my third or fourth or fifth season, that I’d be underpaid by league standards.
“But I don’t look at it that way. I look at it as I’m fortunate to make the kind of money I make and be in the situation I’m in and be with the Packers’ organization. I want to retire as a Packer. They know that, the fans know that, my teammates know that, and this is where I want to be. I’m not worried about [a new contract.] We’re still a few years away from me completing this deal, and whenever it comes time to make a new deal, I’m looking forward to maybe signing my last deal, playing it out, and retiring.”
Rodgers is making $7.25 million in base salary this season. He’ll make $8 million in 2012, $9.25 million in 2013 and $10.5 million in 2014.
It would be surprising if the Packers don’t make Rodgers one of the NFL’s three or four highest-paid quarterbacks after the season, especially if he wins the MVP, which seems likely if he continues to play the way he currently is, or leads the team to another Super Bowl.
Of course, the team also has to consider whether or not to re-sign tight end Jermichael Finley, who’s contract will expire after the season. It could be an expensive offseason for the team.
Fortunately for the Packers, Rodgers isn’t making waves and seems completely focused on football.
Once again – ARodg says all the right things. He is a gem to our organization, both on and off the field.
“I want to retire as a Packer.” God Bless Him.
#ThankGodforARodg
#GoPackGo
agreed, and seriously, that’s how you are supposed to act when you make 8 million a year, be thankful
Attaboy, A-Rod!! GET SOME!!
There’s 3 1/2 years left on his current deal. Unless AR starts grumbling the earliest I would address his contract is after the 2012 season. There still would be 2 years left on his contract. When he signed the deal both sides were happy.
What if TT gave AR an extension and then had trouble signing CM3, Tramon, Jennings, etc. This is still a business and TT has to manage a salary cap.
Someone Cc: Chris Johnson on this.
BubbaOne, Tramon is already extended. Otherwise, you are right. CM3 and Jennings are still out there.
Anyone making $8 mil should be happy, but frankly, at that price, it is a fricking steal.
ppppppppaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy hhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiimmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!
Class act, as always. Why would he be worried about the money right now? He’s doing ok for a 27 year old single guy.
Loved hearing he wants to retire as a Packer; he may be a Cali kid who bitches about the cold & likes his dome shoes, but Green Bay, Wisconsin is his home.
YES!!!
GO PACK GO!!
“Pay him. Pay that man his money.” John Malkovich (Rounders)
Pay the man
Its a no brainer, sign him up as soon as to a top level contact. Worth every penny.
And some one said he shouldnt complain if he’s making $8 mil. Thats true, but at the same time lesser players are getting paid more to do a worse job. I’d be pissed at that but A-rod clearly is a better man than i am
What I would like to see, just once, is a top rated QB that Aaron is, say this.
“I am truly happy with the money I am getting, therefore, I don’t really need anymore above what I am getting now, so management can spend the extra money they are saving on me to keep the best offensive line in front of me and the best receivers around me. Moreover, this will give them the extra money to keep the best defense in league too.”
It takes a lot of money to keep a team together and anyone/everyone here knows, if the Packers front office can keep great players around Aaron, the sky is the limit to what this team could do winning championships and that is what its all about.