Reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers kicked off the quarterback market frenzy by announcing his return to the Green Bay Packers.
By the time the news broke out, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport initially reported that Rodgers agreed to a four-year, $200 contract.
However, Rodgers himself denied signing such a deal.
Days after, it seems that Rapoport has a clearer update regarding the extension that the four-time league MVP inked.
After a week of going back and forth with the #Packers, Aaron Rodgers’ complicated contract pays him $50M per year over 3 years — $150M. Plus there are two low-money option years that will be replaced. https://t.co/VlnbubjhxY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2022
Rapoport tweeted, “After a week of going back and forth with the #Packers, Aaron Rodgers’ complicated contract pays him $50M per year over 3 years – $150M. Plus there are two low-money option years that will be replaced.”
He also quoted his previous tweet, saying “#Packers QB Aaron Rodgers’ new contract extension is now official and signed, per me and @TomPelissero.”
Pelissero reports that the first two years of the deal are fully guaranteed.
Sportrac also revealed that Rodgers’ base salary for the 2022 season will be $26,470,588, which is way lower than the $46.7 million he initially had on his contract.
Meanwhile, NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo also shared that Rodgers will count for $28.5 million, $31.6 million, and $40.7 million against the salary cap throughout the extension.
While the deal makes Rodgers the highest-paid player in the NFL based on average annual value, his extension gave the Packers flexibility to sign free agents, most notably wide receiver Davante Adams.
Clearing Some Room For Adams
The fact that Rodgers signed this deal means that the Packers are already working on a contract extension with the All-Pro wide receiver.
Adams confirmed that he won’t play for Green Bay if he doesn’t have any other contract than the $20.1 million franchise tag they gave him.
The Packers have until July 15 to finalize a deal.
Otherwise, re-signing Rodgers makes little sense if they won’t have Adams for the season.
NEXT: Davante Adams Holding Out Could Ruin Aaron Rodgers' Return