The groundwork has been laid for Aaron Rodgers to become the highest-paid player in NFL history, but he and the Green Bay Packers still have work to do before they agree to a contract extension.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on Thursday that Rodgers and the Packers are negotiating on more than just money. While it is obvious that the 34-year-old will want as least as much as the $100 million guaranteed Matt Ryan got with his five-year, $150 million extension, Rodgers is also reportedly seeking an opt-out clause. The thinking is that he could renegotiate his deal once again when inferior quarterbacks are inevitably earning more than him a few years down the road.
Garafolo noted that a deal of that nature would be unprecedented.
Somebody told me if Rodgers gets his wish, it'll be unlike any contract we've ever seen. Will be interested to see how much he can get along those lines.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 31, 2018
Rodgers still has two years remaining on his current contract, and the Packers could franchise him for two more after that if they chose to go that route. Since he is basically under team control for four more years, he’s not in a position to negotiate a deal like the three-year, $84 million fully guaranteed contract Kirk Cousins signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
Other than keeping their franchise player happy, the Packers don’t have much incentive to offer Rodgers a massive deal that gives him the ability to opt out. But if it helps smooth over some of the issues the QB has reportedly been having with the team this offseason, they might consider it.
