If you’re a sports fan, then you’ve probably heard that Aaron Rodgers has signed an extension deal that guarantees him more than $100 million. This news in itself isn’t exactly shocking. Aaron Rodgers is a really good football player. So good in fact, that the Packers knew they were going to offer this deal during the combine back in April. Packers General Manager, Brian Gutekunst had this to say:
“We’d certainly like to get it done sooner rather than later. When you have the best player in the National Football League, it’s not going to be inexpensive. Obviously Aaron is a high priority, he’s a great player, and that should take care of itself at some point.”
Is this the equivalent to locking it down and putting a ring on it? It kind of seems that way. And while this isn’t necessarily permanent, it certainly is a good commitment for the next 4 years. Rodgers has proven to be one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Whether he’s leading the Packers to a Super Bowl victory or returning from an injury in order to take them from a 4-6 record to a 10-6 record, like he did in 2016, he’s proven himself to be unmatched talent.
All that said, Rodgers is 34. Which is getting up there in sports terms, but he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down even when healthy. That’s not to say that you can’t be a great athlete and be over 35, but that’s when we start to notice a decline in athletes. Since his first All-Pro season in 2011, Rodgers has thrown for no fewer than 31 touchdowns in each season where he played at least 15 games. He was an early MVP frontrunner last fall after throwing 13 touchdown passes in his first five starts, but a crushing tackle from the Vikings’ Anthony Barr squashed that hype and ultimately ruined Green Bay’s postseason hopes.
Rodgers is still dealing with a broken collarbone injury from Week 6 of last season. He did make a comeback in Week 15, and his goal was to make another play for the Super Bowl, but they fell short during a game against the Carolina Panthers. The Packers placed him on IR for the remainder of the season after that game, but Rodgers should be fine moving forward. Him being placed on IR was more of a precaution than anything and will allow him to return for the 2018 season in top shape.
But what about his deal? It’s insane. According to his former teammate, James Jones, this is what the deal looks like:
- The signing bonus is $57.5 million. (The prior record was $50 million, set by Matthew Stafford.)
- Through the end of the 2018 season, Rodgers will earn $66.9 million.
- Through March 2019, he’ll earn $80.8 million.
- Through the 2019 season, he’ll earn $81.9 million.
- Through the 2020 season, he’ll earn $103 million.
- Through the 2021 season, he’ll earn $125 million.
- Through the 2022 season, he’ll earn $150.5 million.
- Through the 2023 season, he’ll earn $176 million.
This, in itself, is a record deal. The base value of the deal is $176 million over six years, which is an average of $29.33 million when he signs. The contract also includes $4 million in incentives and escalators, which could put the total value to $180 million. Congratulations to Aaron Rodgers on this incredible deal. And congratulations to the Grene Bay Packers for locking it down.