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.