Deal worth $134 million again makes Rodgers highest paid
MILWAUKEE — Before he became the NFL’s highest-paid player again, Aaron Rodgers wore a denim suit and cowboy hat that made him look as if he were going to serve as a chaperone at a square dance.
For Rodgers, it’s kind of a big deal either way.
The two-time NFL MVP signed a four-year extension with the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday that would keep him 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 fiveyear extension worth $30 million a year.
“Looking forward to making some more memorable moments this year, and for years to come,” Rodgers posted on an Instagram in a thank you message to the organization, teammates and fans.
Rodgers turns 35 in December. He signed his previous extension, a five-year deal worth $110 million, before the 2013 season.
Rodgers is first in NFL history with a career passer rating of 103.8, and first in career interception rate (1.59 percent).
He is the only quarterback in league history to throw at least 40 TD passes with seven or fewer interceptions in a season, having done it in 2011 and 2016.
Green Bay also announced the Seattle Seahawks have acquired backup quarterback Brett Hundley from the Packers for an undisclosed draft pick.
Bridgewater goes to Saints as backup
The New Orleans Saints have agreed to acquire veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and a sixth-round pick from the New York Jets for a third-round draft pick on Wednesday.
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 former Texan Tom Savage or secondyear pro Taysom Hill serving as Brees’ backup.
“We are very pleased to obtain a young player with quite a bit of playing experience in Teddy Bridgewater,” Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. “He’s a successful quarterback, and we know he will be a great addition to our quarterback room.”
Kendricks charged with insider trading
Cleveland Browns linebacker Mychal Kendricks was released by the NFL team Wednesday night, hours after he was charged by federal prosecutors in Philadelphia with insider trading.
Kendricks, who signed a oneyear 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.
However, the Browns decided after learning more about the case that they couldn’t go forward with Kendricks, who was going to start for the team. The Browns issued a statement after traveling to Detroit for Thursday night’s exhibition finale against the Lions. Kendricks did not make the trip.
Seahawks give Lockett extension
The Seattle Seahawks signed wide receiver Tyler Lockett to a three-year contract extension, locking up a major contributor who could have been a free agent after the season.
A former All-Pro selection as a kick returner, Lockett’s rookie deal was set to expire after the 2018 season, but he opted for the security of staying in Seattle.
“Everything that I need has been here,” Lockett said. “They traded picks to come and get me. They showed that they wanted me here.”
Lockett has appeared to be back at full speed after playing last year at less than 100 percent following a 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.
Throughout his career, Lockett has been one of the top kick returners in the league.
Odds and ends
Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll says linebacker K.J. Wright will miss at least a couple of weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this week, making it increasingly unlikely that he’ll be ready for the Sept. 9 opener at Denver. … Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cayleb Jones has been arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic assault and theft.