Sorting out effects of Rodgers deal How long will he play?
GREEN BAY - The Aaron Rodgers era will continue with the Green Bay Packers, with the back-to-back MVP returning for at least another season.
The specifics of Rodgers’ contract are still emerging, but to better understand what this means for the Packers both now and in the future, we examine a few important details related to Rodgers and the rest of the NFL.
What is Rodgers’ new deal?
As mentioned, the specifics of Rodgers’ deal are unknown. They will emerge when reported to the NFLPA. Until then, there are dueling reports. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the two sides agreed to a four-year, $200 million deal with $153 million guaranteed. Pat McAfee, who originally broke Rodgers’ return on his show Tuesday, said he received a text from Rodgers saying those details are “categorically false.”
Rodgers is 38 years old and will turn 39 late in the 2022 regular season (Dec. 2). Reportedly, his new contract is for four years. That would have him playing till he is 42/43 years old. Tom Brady retired this offseason at 44. However, there is no confirmation that Rodgers’ deal is for four years or if he’ll play that long. He reportedly seriously considered retirement, which could mean he hangs up his cleats after the next year or two.
How does Rodgers’ deal impact the Packers’ salary cap?
Until the full details of Rodgers’ deal are made public, this is speculation. But given Green Bay started the day $31 million over the cap (just over $208 million for 2022) it would stand to reason Rodgers contract would be structured in such a way that is cap friendly for the Packers. This likely means guaranteed money up front in order to keep the cap hit low for 2022 and 2023, at which point
the cap is expected to explode.
How does Rodgers’ return affect Davante Adams?
The Packers still placed the franchise tag on receiver Davante Adams. Rodgers made it known from the beginning he wanted his coming season to coincide with that of Adams. So he’s likely already received confirmation Adams will as well.
How does Rodgers’ contract compare to Patrick Mahomes’?
Ahead of the 2020 season, the Kansas City Chiefs signed quarterback Patrick Mahomes to the biggest deal in NFL history. It was a 10-year, $477 million deal with bonuses that made it worth $503 million total. In comparison to base salary, that would make Rodgers’ deal worth more, if the deal Rapoport reported is accurate.
What does Rodgers’ return mean for Jordan Love?
Quarterback Jordan Love has been entrenched as a backup quarterback his entire career (two years) with the Packers. With Rodgers returning, that won’t change barring an injury. The Packers drafted Love in the first round in 2020, seeing something in him that was worthy to being the backup to Rodgers. He has spent two years in the system as well so he remains the best backup option.
There’s also something to be said for a weak QB class in both the NFL draft and free agency. Jim Nagy of the Senior Bowl shared Tuesday morning that in talking to scouts around the league, he believes the Packers could receive a second-round pick for Love.
What is Love’s contract?
Love has two years remaining on his rookie contract (2022-2023) and carries a cap hit this season of $3.3 million. The Packers could choose to pick up his fifth-year option for 2024.
Would the package have been worth trading Rodgers?
Shortly after the Rodgers news broke, the dominoes began to fall around the rest of the league. The Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks brokered a deal for quarterback Russell Wilson. The Broncos receive Wilson and in return, the Seahawks receive two firstrounders and two second-rounders, a fifth-rounder, quarterback Drew Lock, defensive end Shelby Harris and tight end Noah Fant. As to whether that haul would have been worth giving up Rodgers is a matter of opinion. While Seattle does receive a lot, it signifies a rebuild. It should be noted, Wilson is five years younger than Rodgers; but Rodgers is the back-to-back MVP. There’s no guarantee they’d demand the same deal.
What are Rodgers’ career stats? What are his latest stats?
In his 17-year career, Rodgers has thrown for 55,360 yards with a 65.3% completion rate. He has a 449-93 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and added 34 touchdowns on the ground. In 2021, Rodgers had a 68.9% completion rate for 4,115 yards, 37 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He also ran for three scores.
What does this mean for Randall Cobb and Robert Tonyan?
Rodgers banged the table for the Packers to trade for Cobb last season, so he could ask Green Bay to keep his friend once again. With Rodgers returning, the Packers are going all-in on another Super Bowl run, which would lend itself to more veteran players.
However, while Cobb technically has another year remaining on his contract, there is an out available for 2022. In other words, he could become a cap-casualty cut. Cobb’s cap hit for this season is $9.5 million with a dead-cap of $2.8 million.
Tonyan is a free agent this offseason and can sign with another team beginning March 16. But general manager Brian Gutekunst said two weeks ago he was pleased with Tonyan’s rehab progress after tearing his ACL in Week 8. Furthermore, given Tonyan’s injury, the market is smaller for his services until teams know his progress.