After a season of speculation regarding where he will play next, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers might not be leaving Green Bay after all.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the relationship between the reigning MVP and the organization is “in as good a spot as it has been in quite a long time,” which has led to optimism Rodgers will decide to remain a Packer.
Not only did Rodgers publicly commend the Packers’ front office after receiving his fourth MVP award last Thursday, but he also apparently remained in Green Bay days after their disappointing playoff loss to San Francisco to plan for the future.
“There was obviously some things that were voiced in the offseason, privately between him and myself, and I’m just thankful for the response,” Rodgers said of Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst on Thursday. “There was a lot of things that were done to make me feel really special and important, to the present, the past and the future of the franchise. And I’ve got to say that Russ and Brian especially had a big hand in that. And it didn’t go unnoticed.”
Rodgers will need a new contract if he decides to stay in Green Bay. According to Rapoport, the organization is willing to make him the highest-paid quarterback in the league on a per-year basis.
While they would have to place voidable years on the backend to spread out the cap hit, the added financial flexibility would give them more wiggle room to re-sign players and further bolster the roster around him.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the franchises most often speculated as a potential destination for Rodgers.
Rodger openly flirted with Pittsburgh multiple times during the the 2021 season, especially during his weekly appearances on the Pat McAfee Show. Not only did he praise the city and its fans, but he also spoke glowingly of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
Now a four-time MVP, Rodgers passed 4,115 yards, 37 touchdowns and just four interceptions last season with Green Bay.