While the football world waits for a decision from Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers and the reps for the four-time NFL MVP are working on a new deal that would make him the highest-paid player in the NFL if he decides to return to Green Bay in 2022, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
“Behind the scenes, I’m told, the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers’ representation are working on a deal,” Rapport said Monday.
Rapoport said “nothing is done” but the Packers want to have the framework of a deal in place in case Rodgers does decide to return to the team for another season or more.
Rodgers can return, retire from the NFL or request a trade. He is expected to make a decision on his future soon.
A return to Green Bay is looking more likely, and the Packers want to have the financial vehicles in place to make it happen.
As expected, Rapoport said the new deal would be “short term” while also making Rodgers the highest-paid player in the NFL.
A new deal worth over $45 million a season could still reduce Rodgers’ cap hit in 2022. His current cap number is $46.7 million, but the Packers need to use Rodgers’ contract to reduce their cap commitments before the start of the new league year in March.
Even on a short-term deal, the Packers could give Rodgers a massive signing bonus while adding void years to the deal to help spread the cap charges out over five full seasons and reduce the hit in 2022.
Rodgers, 38, has thrown 85 touchdown passes and just nine interceptions while leading the Packers to a 26-7 record in the regular season over the last two seasons.
