Latest Regarding Extension Talks Between Packers & Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers mentioned in an interview with ESPN Wisconsin on Monday that nothing has changed regarding negotiations between his representatives and the Packers regarding a long-term deal. However, both parties are still focused on getting a deal done.

“First of all, I’m making $20 (million) this year, so I know how fortunate I am. And I love what I do. (But) it’s a tough question. It really is. It’s tough to answer it the way I want to answer it,” Rodgers said, via Madison.com. “Look, nothing’s changed. Both sides would love to get something done. And it hasn’t gotten done yet. Until something’s done … I feel good about where I’m at.

“Obviously, (the contract) is important to me. Obviously, I’d love to finish my career here. But I’m busy right now. I’m focused on being the leader of the team. And if nothing gets done, it won’t change anything. Because all I’m worried about right now is playing ball. If something does get done, it’s fantastic. It’s great. Then I’d think about that I can finish my career here — hopefully. And that changes the down-the-line stuff, the legacy stuff can be even more important. But I’m not thinking about that.”

The idea of an unorthodox contract has been floated for Rodgers, which could include player options or possibly tying his compensation to the salary cap, but Rodgers isn’t sure that this is practical.

“That’s an interesting idea, for sure,” Rodgers said. “I just don’t know how feasible that is.”

Meanwhile, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst says that there’s been “really good, open dialogue” with Rodgers’ agent, David Dunn.

“It’s been a really good, open dialogue between the Packers and Aaron,” Gutekunst said. “At no time has there been any hiccups. I feel really good about the way we’re going and the possibilities it could get done.”

The Packers have Rodgers under contract for the next two years and could franchise him after that, but Gutekunst says that’s not something they would do.

“I don’t think we would ever (do that),” Gutekunst said of franchising Rodgers. “We want to get an extension done with Aaron, and I think Aaron does as well. We’re not thinking about it in those terms. We’re just diligently working toward that extension and I think that’ll get done. Those things are not in any kind of play at this time.”

Last week, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Packers and Rodgers are “creeping along towards a deal” and both parties are still motivated to get it done.

However, Schefter says that the one issue in negotiations is the fact that top-of-market deals always harder because there is no ceiling and this deal will make Rodgers the highest-paid player in NFL history.

Rodgers, 34, is a former first-round pick of the Packers back in 2005. He’s entering in the sixth year of his seven-year, $130.75 million contract that included $54 million guaranteed and stands to make base salaries of $19.8 million and $20 million over the final two years of the agreement.

In 2017, Rodgers appeared in seven games for the Packers and thrown for 1,675 yards while completing 64.7 percent of his passes to go along with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. He has also rushed for 126 yards. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 11 quarterback out of 39 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding a new deal for Rodgers as the news is available.