Rodgers’ Revenge: The Ultimate Team Player?
07/27/2023
By: Jeff Yoder
Take That, Packers… Aaron Rodgers Agrees to $35 Million Pay Cut in New Jets-Friendly Deal
Take what you thought you knew about Aaron Rodgers and trash it. Throw it out. Eradicate the narrative. The disgruntled, aloof, and entitled quarterback held out on the Packers after delivering back-to-back MVPs with a disintegrating roster, then jumped ship for the spotlight of the Big Apple. Hate him if you want, but what Rodgers did on Wednesday shouldn’t go unnoticed. The 39-year-old quarterback was guaranteed $110 million on his current contract that the Jets swallowed in order to bring him to New York. They also gave up significant compensation for a veteran at the end of his career. In light of the circumstances, Rodgers took a $35 million pay cut on Wednesday, down from $110 million guaranteed to $75 million over the next two seasons. That makes him the 12th highest-paid QB in the NFL (annual salary). Twelve!
“It’s a curious move that possibly was driven by his desire to ingratiate himself fully and completely to Jets fans and media, while also giving yet another middle finger to the Packers.” — Mike Florio, NBC Sports
Respect Over Cash: Tom Brady took a lowly two-year, $50 million contract when he left New England for Tampa Bay. The difference there was free agency — not a trade request — so Brady signed on with team-first intentions and instantly endeared himself to Bucs teammates and fans. Enter Rodgers, holding a guaranteed $110 million and an ego-driven media narrative, then tossing aside $35 million to be a team player. Brady’s result? A Super Bowl win. It was never about the money for Rodgers in Green Bay. It was always about respect. And now, revenge.
New Contracts
- Aaron Rodgers Takes $35 Million Pay Cut in New Jets Deal
- Bears TE Cole Kmet Gets 4-Year, $50 Million Extension
- Giants LT Andrew Thomas Gets 5-Year, $117.5 Million Extension
Other Training Camp News
- Panthers Name No. 1 Pick Bryce Young Starting Quarterback
- Seahawks 1st-Round Pick CB Devon Witherspoon Holding Out
- Colts Owner Jim Irsay Says Running Backs Meeting is ‘Inappropriate’
What to Watch at NFL Training Camps (The Ringer)