Packers reward Rodgers

Five-year, $134m deal makes veteran pivot league’s highest-paid player

MILWAUKEE — Before he became the NFL’s highestpaid player again, Aaron Rodgers posted an online photo of himself wearing a denim suit and cowboy hat that made him look like he was going to serve as a chaperone at a square dance.

For the Green Bay Packers quarterback, it’s kind of a big deal either way.

The two-time league MVP signed a four-year extension with the Packers on Wednesday that will keep him under contract through the 2023 season.

The four-year deal, worth $134 million with more than $100 million guaranteed, was first reported by NFL Network analyst James Jones, a former teammate of Rodgers.

Rodgers’ new average annual salary of $33.5 million eclipses Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who earns $30 million.

“Looking forward to making some more memorable moments this year, and for years to come,” Rodgers posted on an Instagram in a thankyou message to the organization, his teammates and fans.

Rodgers, who turns 35 in December, signed his previous extension — a five-year deal worth $110 million — before the 2013 season.

He had fallen behind in the ever-escalating world of NFL salaries since then, making him a relative bargain.

But Rodgers never voiced concern about his compensation, and expressed confidence that he and general manager Brian Gutekunst would eventually strike a deal.

“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 again after being limited to seven games last season because of a right collarbone injury. Green Bay flopped without him and failed to make the playoffs.

Drafted in the first round by the Packers in the 2005 draft after falling to the 24th overall pick, Rodgers eventually succeeded Brett Favre as starter to give the franchise an unprecedented run of top-notch quarterback play.

Like Favre, he led the Packers to a Super Bowl title, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2010 season.

Among his numerous accomplishments, Rodgers is the first quarterback in NFL history with a career passer rating over 103 (103.8), and he’s first in career interception rate (1.59 percent).

He is also the only quarterback in league history to throw at least 40 touchdown passes with seven or fewer interceptions in a season, having done it in 2011 and 2016.

Rodgers is known for his intensity and preparation on the field. Off the field, he can display a sense of humor too.

Looking forward to making some more memorable moments this year, and for years to come.”

Aaron Rodgers, on signing a $134 million extension with the Green Bay Packers

Five minutes after thanking fans on Instagram, he posted another message that included a photo of him in a denim tux jacket.

Rodgers donned the outfit on Wednesday to take part in the annual Packers Welcome Back Luncheon at Lambeau Field.

“Lastly, thanks to genetics that allow me to grow a mustache that even a hero of mine, (actor) Sam Elliott, might be proud of,” Rodgers wrote.