In an expected move, the Jets are picking up Aaron Rodgers’ $58.3 million option bonus for 2023, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Picking up the option was a formality, but there was some question as to whether the Packers would take on some of Rodgers’ salary this season. It looks like that will not be the case.
For his 2023 salary, the #Jets picking up Aaron Rodgers’ already guaranteed option bonus of $58.3M means that it converts to a signing bonus for cap reasons — creating $43.7M of cap space and making his 2023 hit $15.7M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2023
Still, being that the $58 million is an option bonus, the Jets are able to spread that money out over the remaining four years of the contract. As a result, the cap number for Rodgers is just $15.79 million. At least that’s with the contract as it is now. Rodgers is expected to rework his contract.
From last night on @SNYtv: Yes, the #Jets paid a lot.
But when you see the contract Aaron Rodgers is about to sign, and realize he’s not one-and-done, it’s going to make a lot of sense. pic.twitter.com/QnAZC2DyTL
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) April 25, 2023
If Rodgers is indeed around for more than one year, the trade will be worth it. It will be interesting now to see what the contract structure looks like. We should find out sometime this week when the trade becomes official.