Breaking: Aaron Rodgers Shatters Record for Highest-Paid NFL Player with New Deal
It’s been talked about for months and on Wednesday it finally happened: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed an extension to make him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
The two-time MVP signed a four-year extension that could be worth up to $180 million in total money. The extension reportedly includes $103 million in guaranteed money and an average annual value of $33.5 million, both of which are also records.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke down just how much Rodgers will receive over the next six months.
Aaron Rodgers new deal with the Packers will be worth $176 million to $180 million total, per source. Big feature is cash flow: $67m before end of calendar, over $80m before St. Patrick’s Day next year, $103m practically guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 29, 2018
The deal would reach its full value of $180 million if Rodgers reaches certain incentives tied to helping the Packers make the playoffs and finishing in the top three in QB rating.
Rodgers had two years remaining on his contract after last signing an extension before the 2013 season. Both sides were eager to work out a deal before the start of the regular season.
“I think we both want the same thing,” Packers president Mark Murphy said last month. “Those things have a way of working themselves out. I’m confident we’ll get something done.”
“The feelings haven’t changed. Obviously, I’d love to be here and I think they’ve spoken at length about wanting to extend my deal,” Rodgers said on July 26. “But now that I’m here my focus is definitely on other places. It’s on my teammates, my leadership role, my performance on the field.”
Rodgers’ deal will top the recent one signed by the Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan that made him the NFL’s highest-paid player. In May, Ryan signed a $150 million deal that lasted as the NFL’s biggest contract for three months.
With Rodgers turning 35 in December, the extension will take him through his age-40 season. He had previously expressed his desire to play to 40 and beyond.
“Hopefully right here,” Rodgers said earlier this month when asked where he wanted to be when he turns 40.
“I do think it’s realistic,” he said about playing into his 40s. “I hope it’s in this locker room, though. That would mean it’s been at a high level. Like I said, hopefully Dec. 2 of 2024, help me out, 2023. Thank you.”
The Packers certainly plan on Rodgers being on the field from now until the end of the deal, but they also made a move Wednesday to clarify the quarterback depth chart behind him.
Green Bay traded away Brett Hundley to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2019 sixth-round pick. Hundley started nine games for the Packers with Rodgers injured last season, but by trading him away the team has declared DeShone Kizer as Rodgers’ backup.
Rodgers’ record-breaking deal comes two days after the New York Giants’ Odell Beckham Jr. signed a $95 million extension that makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
Also, last month, Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams signed an extension that made him the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
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