Packers & Aaron Rodgers Working On Short-Term, High-Value Deal

In an attempt (perhaps futile) to keep quarterback Aaron Rodgers in town, the Green Bay Packers are working on a short-term deal to make him the highest-paid player in 2022.

The contract talks, of course, hinge upon Rodgers returning to the Pack next season. The NFL’s reigning two-time MVP has not made a decision on where (or if) he’ll play in 2022, but he has given a March 8 deadline for his decision.

Should Rodgers decide that he wants to play elsewhere next year, that would be tricky as the 38-year-old is still under contract.

Becoming the sport’s top earner next year would mean surpassing the $45 million that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes currently has.

The futures of both Rodgers and All-Pro free-agent receiver Davante Adams were recently addressed by Green Bay GM Brian Gutekunst, who said he’s “very confident” that the Packers will be able to field a competitive team should Rodgers and Adams return—despite salary cap issues.

“I am looking forward to making the decision and moving forward. I think it’s best for me, it’s best for the team, and it’s best for all parties involved to get this behind us,” Rodgers said. “There’s conversations to be had and a few more things to contemplate, but it won’t be long. I’m not going to hold anyone hostage in this. I’m not going to do that. Obviously, I want to feel assertive about it and when I do I’ll make a decision and we’ll move on and move forward.”