Gutekunst expects extension for Rodgers 'soon'

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst expects to agree to a contract extension with quarterback Aaron Rodgers sooner than later.

"Both sides are working towards it and we're confident we'll come to an agreement soon," Gutekunst said on PFT Live on Thursday. "...We're pretty confident that this is something that's taking its normal course, its normal time."

Gutekunst added that both sides could wait to see if other starting quarterbacks receive new contracts this offseason and, if so, the structure of those deals could be a factor. The Atlanta Falcons have discussed their progress toward an extension with 2016 MVP Matt Ryan this offseason, while New England Patriots quarterback and three-time MVP Tom Brady could be a candidate for a new contract as well.

A Yahoo report last month suggested Rodgers' approach to negotiations could be influenced by his desire for more input on major personnel decisions. The QB was reportedly upset that he wasn't consulted before the departure of quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt and wide receiver Jordy Nelson.

"I know he's thinking about that stuff when it comes to the next contract because he should have earned a voice by now," a source close to Rodgers told Yahoo. "In other places with quarterbacks, consideration is given to those guys. I think Aaron wants to be engaged in some decisions. But that's just not the way it works [in Green Bay]. I think that's obviously frustrating and it's going to keep coming out."

Rodgers, 34, still has two years remaining on his contract, which made him the league's highest paid quarterback when he signed it in 2013. His annual average of $22 million currently ranks ninth among NFL QBs, and his 2018 cap hit of $20.6 million ranks 15th.

--Field Level Media