Aaron Rodgers' Contract Will Change If He Returns In 2023, Packers QB Says

In discussions about where Aaron Rodgers might play in the 2023 NFL season, much has been made about the veteran quarterback's contract and the nearly $60 million that he'll be owed. If the four-time MVP returns to the Green Bay Packers for another year, his lofty salary would likely have to be changed.

Rodgers' contract situation was addressed Tuesday by Rodgers himself on "The Pat McAfee Show." When asked about his $59.5 million salary for 2023, Rodgers said that his deal won't remain the same.

"It's a lot of money," Rodgers told McAfee. "I don't think there'd be a scenario where I'd come back and that would be the number. I think definitely things would have to shift."

It was less than a year ago that Rodgers agreed to a three-year extension worth around $150 million. Rodgers turns 40 next season and will be the league's highest-paid player.

After the Packers were eliminated from contention by the Detroit Lions in the regular-season finale, Rodgers said he hadn't made a final decision about returning for a 19th NFL season or retiring from professional football. It's hard to believe that the quarterback would walk away from such a big payday.

Whether or not Rodgers will play for the Packers or another team next season is up in the air. There seems to be a real possibility that Rodgers could be traded. If Rodgers reworks his contract, it would make it easier for Green Bay to complete a trade with a quarterback-needy team.

"There's a lot of teams, because of COVID, that are strapped, and you're seeing a lot of different contracts. They're pushing more money out in deals," Rodgers said. "They're creating void years to allow for an easier cap hit. So there would have to be some adjustments for sure."

Rodgers said that it's possible for him to finish his career as a Packer, though he remained noncommittal to any decisions for 2023.