Rodgers nets $134M extension
Aaron Rodgers is getting another big deal.
The two-time NFL MVP and Green Bay Packers agreed to terms yesterday on a four-year extension that would keep Rodgers under contract through the 2023 season.
The four-year deal is worth $134 million, with more than $100 million in guaranteed money.
Rodgers’ new annual average salary of $33.5 million per year would eclipse Atlanta Falcons quarterback
Matt Ryan’s five-year extension worth $30 million a year.
Rodgers turns 35 in December. He signed his previous extension, a five-year deal worth $110 million, before the 2013 season.
Neither Rodgers nor the Packers expressed concern through this preseason that they couldn’t get a new deal done.
“I talk with my agent daily, so I’m aware of conversations,” Rodgers said when training camp opened last month. “But I’m really not too worried about it. Like I said, there’s more than mutual interest on both sides.”
Rodgers is healthy after being limited to seven games last year because of a right collarbone injury. Green Bay flopped without him.
Rodgers’ extension wasn’t the only news involving a Green Bay quarterback. The Packers traded Brett Hundley to the Seattle Seahawks for an undisclosed draft pick. The deal gives Seattle a proven backup behind Russell Wilson and means DeShone Kizer has won the backup job in Green Bay.
Kendricks inside, out
Cleveland Browns linebacker Mychal Kendricks was released by the team last night, hours after he was charged by federal prosecutors in Philadelphia with insider trading.
Kendricks, who signed a one-year contract with the Browns in June after winning a Super Bowl title last season with the Eagles, allegedly used tips from an acquaintance to make about $1.2 million in illegal profits on four major trading deals, federal prosecutors said.
The 27-year-old issued a statement earlier in the day admitting to his guilt and apologizing. He expressed regret and accepted “full responsibility” for his actions.
Bridgewater to N.O.
The New Orleans Saints have agreed to acquire veteran quarterback Teddy
Bridgewater and a sixthround pick from the New York Jets for a third-round draft pick.
While record-setting quarterback Drew Brees is entrenched as New Orleans’ starter, the move signifies that Saints coach
Sean Payton was not entirely comfortable with either veteran Tom Savage or second-year pro Taysom Hill serving as Brees’ backup.
The trade brings more clarity to the Jets’ quarterback situation. It appears rookie Sam Darnold is the starter after being given every opportunity to win the job in a competition
Seattle pays Lockett
The Seahawks signed wide receiver Tyler Lockett to a three-year contract extension. A former All-Pro as a kick returner, Lockett’s rookie deal was set to expire after the 2018 season.
Lockett has appeared to be back at full speed after playing last year at less than 100 percent following a gruesome broken leg suffered late in the 2016 season. Lockett also played through a knee injury most of the 2017 season, but still appeared in all 16 games and had 45 receptions for 555 yards and two touchdowns.
Lockett was among a handful of key Seattle players whose contracts were set to expire after this season. Left tackle Duane
Brown received an extension earlier this summer. Seattle still must make decisions that included Bridgewater and incumbent Josh McCown. on defensive end Frank Clark and linebacker K.J. Wright.
Vikings WR arrested
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cayleb Jones has been arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic assault and theft.
Dakota County Jail records show that Jones was arrested Tuesday by Eagan, Minn., police. He also is accused of interfering on a 911 call.
Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said in a statement that the team is aware of the situation and is gathering more information. Spielman said further comment will “be provided at the appropriate time.”
The 25-year-old Jones spent last year on the Vikings’ practice squad and is vying for one of 53 roster spots. He is suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.