No extension, no big deal for Packers’ QB Rodgers
GREEN BAY, WIS. » Aaron Rodgers sounds as if he’s more worried about swimming with sharks than a new contract.
Starting training camp without an extension from the Green Bay Packers is not really that big a deal to the two-time NFL MVP.
“I’ve seen a lot of stuff you guys have either written or that’s been written about it,” Rodgers said Thursday. “I talk with my agent daily, so I’m aware of conversations. But I’m really not too worried about it.”
He’s under contract through the 2019 season, though NFL salaries continue to escalate. Star receiver Julio Jones showed up for Atlanta Falcons camp on Thursday after the sides reached agreement to renegotiate Jones’ deal next year, avoiding a potential holdout.
Not Rodgers’ style.
“I don’t really operate like that. I have two years left on my deal,” Rodgers said when asked if he could consider holding out to turn up pressure. “They’re obviously more than willing to talk about an extension. There wasn’t any animosity on either side.”
Team president Mark Murphy is hopeful there will be an agreement, too, at some point.
“I don’t want to put a timeframe on it, but I’m confident we’ll work it out,” Murphy said after the Packers’ annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday night.
So there was Rodgers back to work for the first day of camp on Thursday. One of his first throws was a deep pass for receiver Randall Cobb, who was covered tightly by Kevin King. The cornerback went up and wrestled for the ball before appearing to come away with the pick.
“That wasn’t an interception,” Rodgers said.
So competitive, even in late July.