NFL Rumors: Packers Offered Aaron Rodgers Contract To Make Him NFL’s Highest-Paid Player

Aaron Rodgers has been so intent on never playing for the Green Bay Packers again that he’s left a ton of money on the table. The reigning NFL MVP turned down a contract offer earlier this offseason that would’ve made him the league’s highest-paid player, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

Had Rodgers signed the extension, he would’ve been tied to Green Bay through the 2025 season, according to ESPN. The quarterback currently has three years and approximately $72.5 million left on his contract.

This off-season, the Packers offered Aaron Rodgers a two-year contract extension that would have tied him to Green Bay for five more seasons and made him the highest-paid QB and player in football.

Rodgers declined the offer, proof it’s not about the money.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 20, 2021

Green Bay gave Rodgers a four-year, $134 million extension in 2018. The deal included a then-record $57.5 million and paid Rodgers more than $80 million over the course of about eight months.

Rodgers’ contract has an average annual value of $33.5 million. That ranks fifth among all NFL quarterbacks.

Patrick Mahomes is the league’s highest-paid player. Mahomes’ historic contract is worth $450 million with a $45 million average annual salary.

Dak Prescott is the NFL’s second-highest-paid player at $40 million a year over four seasons. Deshaun Watson is signed to a four-year, $156 million contract.

It was reported earlier this offseason that Rodgers rebuffed Green Bay’s offers to restructure his contract. The quarterback has already forfeited hundreds of thousands of dollars by skipping the Packers’ offseason workouts.

Rodgers has not publicly demanded a trade. The 37-year-old has not given a firm answer when asked if he would be Green Bay’s quarterback in Week 1.

Green Bay veterans are scheduled to report to training camp on July 27. The Packers play their first exhibition game on Aug. 14 and their first regular season game on Sept. 12.

The Packers have lost each of the last two NFC Championship Games. Rodgers won his third MVP award in the 2020 season. The signal caller led the NFL with a 121.5 passer rating and 48 touchdown passes.

Green Bay appeared ready to replace Rodgers last year when the organization traded up to select Jordan Love in the first round of the draft. Now, the Packers are hoping that Rodgers gives up his desire to play elsewhere.