Rodgers declined Packers’ contract extension offer

GREEN BAY, Wis. – In an attempt to mend their relationship with Aaron Rodgers, the Packers offered a contract extension this offseason that would have tied the quarterback to the team for the next five seasons, multiple people with knowledge of the discussions confirmed to the USA TODAY Network. The people spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks.

Ultimately, Rodgers did not accept the offer. The offer was not made immediately after Rodgers’ third MVP season but after it became apparent the relationship between team and quarterback was fractured, one person with knowledge of the offer told the USA TODAY Network. It was believed the Packers’ initial hesitancy to make any meaningful alterations to Rodgers’ contract after the season only exacerbated the quarterback’s frustrations.

But the Packers regrouped to offer an extension that would expire after Rodgers’ age-42 season, multiple people familiar with the situation said. The team’s offer was first reported Tuesday by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Rodgers has three years left on the four-year, $134 million extension he signed midway through training camp in 2018. At the time, the deal made Rodgers the highest-paid player in NFL history. He since has been surpassed by four quarterbacks.

The Packers were willing to make Rodgers the highest-paid player in the league, one person with knowledge of the situation said, but their offer did not start there.