Latest Regarding Extension Talks Between Packers & Aaron Rodgers

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Packers and QB Aaron Rodgers are “actively negotiating” a long-term extension and the fact that there isn’t an agreement in place before the start of training camp “doesn’t mean much.”

Rapoport explains that this deadline wasn’t a realistic deadline in the first place for both parties. Instead, Rapoport says that shooting to have an agreement in place by the midway point in camp is probably more realistic.

According to Rapoport, there’s “some optimism” that the two sides could get something done before the start of the season. Although, Rodgers is unlikely to agree to a regular extension, as Rodgers will likely agree to a shorter-term deal that includes a huge signing bonus and possibly a series of player options down the road.

This is an interesting situation, seeing as the Packers could retain Rodgers for the next four years by franchising him in 2020 and 2021, which would pay him around $99 million or so, depending on where the franchise tag sits for quarterbacks. This would come out to around $25 million per year, which is far lower than the current high-water mark for quarterbacks.

Last week, Rodgers discussed a number of topics with Peter King of NBC including his contract situation and the possibility of him signing a “non-traditional contract.”

“It’s only been on my mind because … people have been writing and talking about it a lot,” Rodgers said. “There have been many conversations about it. I think that there’s some merit to looking into where you do a non-traditional contractual agreement. If anybody at this point is gonna be able to do something like that, I think there needs to be a conversation about it. I never said anything about [tying the contract to] the cap. I just think there’s ways to do contracts where you can still be competitive so the team is happy about it, but have some more freedom.”

Rodgers made it clear that he would like to finish out his career in Green Bay, but based on what he’s seen over the year, he admits there’s no guarantee.

“But I think in my time there, I realize no one is above the team,” Rodgers said. “They can trade Brett Favre, Jordy Nelson. They can not re-sign a Charles Woodson or Julius Peppers. They make decisions that are in the best interest of the team. It could be me at some point. You have to be humble enough to realize that, and I do. I’d love to be able to …

“How many guys get to actually pick the way and the team how they go out? You know? Hardly anybody. You have to understand that’s a real possibility. But yeah, my dream situation would be to stay in Green Bay.”

According to Rodgers, he’s like to continue playing until he’s forty years old while maintaining his ability to move.

“I’d love to play to 40,” Rodgers said. “I just think that number means a lot. Obviously, Tom [Brady] is kind of rewriting the book. Brett [Favre] had a good season when he turned 40. My goal is be able to move like I do or close to how I do and still be able to do that at 40 … just because nobody’s been able to do that and still move around the same. Steve Young’s career was cut short in his late thirties. John [Elway], the same—he didn’t really move the same as when he was younger. So to be able to move the same way at 38, 39, 40 would be cool. That’s my aim.”

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.