Unfortunately for Broncos Country, it looks like they’re going to miss out on the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes after Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday morning that Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers had come to terms on a massive contract extension.
The #Packers and MVP QB Aaron Rodgers have agreed to terms on a 4-year, $200M deal that makes him the highest paid player in NFL history, sources say. He gets a whopping $153M guaranteed and his cap number goes down. A monstrous commitment by GB for years to come. 💰 💰 💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2022
The deal is a four-year, $200 million extension that guarantees Rodgers $153 million, making it one of the most expensive contracts ever signed in NFL history.
To keep Rodgers, the extension was a necessity for Green Bay. Not only does it placate their temperamental maestro, but it also lowers his cap hit for the 2022 season, which the Packers needed. That extra cap space will also allow them to give Davante Adams the franchise tag, which appears to be their plan.
Although the consolation of knowing the Broncos were legitimately in the running means very little now, it does appear like Denver was the top destination in consideration with Green Bay.
This was no easy decision. Rodgers considered retirement and the #Broncos. In the end, the #Packers get it done. They commit to Aaron Rodgers for many years. https://t.co/4Mf7rcmHej
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2022
According to Rapoport’s reporting, retirement was also a realistic option for Rodgers in consideration.
With Rodgers now off the market, there’s one white whale left in Russell Wilson, though those odds are looking fairly slim as well.
They’ll likely have to turn towards the draft, which features the likes of Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral and Desmond Ridder, or towards the free agent market, which boasts names like Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton and Tyrod Taylor.
