Packers reportedly want to go all in on keeping Aaron Rodgers
The Green Bay Packers are hoping to avoid drama this offseason. The team is reportedly willing to go all in to retain All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers on a long-term deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Packers are reportedly considering a contract situation similar to what the New Orleans Saints did with Drew Brees at the end of his career.
Packers are prepared to go all in for Aaron Rodgers in 2022, spending as close to the cap this year and spreading it into future years as much as possible, per sources. Saints used this approach for Drew Brees and Green Bay willing to deploy that model to further entice Rogers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 13, 2022
The Saints would continue to extend Brees at high amounts, but add void years to his contract in order to spread Brees' signing bonus among multiple years of their salary cap. The move allowed Brees to make a ton of money while preventing the Saints from being in an awful cap situation.
Rodgers restructured his deal last offseason to ensure he becomes a free agent in 2022 if he can't work out a long-term deal with the Packers. The deal also gave Rodgers a massive $46 million cap hit in 2022, putting the Packers in a situation where the team needs to restructure his deal again or trade him.
Rodgers restructured that deal amid rumors he was frustrated with the franchise and looking for a way out. Cooler heads prevailed, and Rodgers had yet another spectacular season with the Packers. He threw for 4,115 yards and 37 touchdowns, winning his fourth MVP award.
Aaron Rodgers in a good place with Packers
Striking now could be the right decision. Rodgers said there's been growth between him and the Packers while receiving his MVP award. He said he's had "good conversations" with the team, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The Packers are sending all the right messages now, but it's up to Rodgers to decide whether he wants to come back. Rodgers can force the team's hand by demanding a trade. Considering his cap situation, Rodgers might actually get his wish. Rodgers could also retire, an idea he's flirted with in the past.
If Rodgers returns, it would be a huge boost for Green Bay. The relationship between Rodgers and the team was in shambles last offseason, and it looked likely 2021 would be his final year in Green Bay.
Getting Rodgers back would keep the team's Super Bowl window open for at least another season. Depending on how generous Rodgers is feeling, a new deal could also give Green Bay an opportunity to surround Rodgers with better talent in an attempt to make one final run at another championship.
