It's A Beautiful Day in Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood

Keeping his eyes firmly on the future, Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson (TT) has inked starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a long term contract extension.  Entering the negotiations approximately $20 million under the salary cap, TT opened the coffers for his quarterback.  Sources indicate that the contract is worth $65 million over 6 years ($20 million guaranteed).  Rodgers is now signed through the 2014 season.  The contract offers a greater per year salary than other recent quarterback contracts around the NFL, but has a lower guarantee.

"It's certainly a market deal compared to other franchise quarterbacks," said David Dunn, Rodgers' agent for the last few months. "The Packers came at us aggressively for this to be a deal that is commensurate with his peers in the league. Because Aaron likes it so much there, it became an easy decision for him."

Rodgers, who took no part in the negotiations said, "I feel great about the commitment they made to me, especially being a seven-game starter. When I heard the terms of the deal, it was absolutely a no-brainer."

The golfing funds just got larger

"As we talked about in the past, we try to be proactive in our discussions with our current players and we felt like this was an appropriate time to try to come to an agreement with Aaron," said Thompson. "We feel like this is good for the organization and the players, and we will continue this approach as we move forward."

In 2005, Rodgers became the first ever draft pick for then rookie Packer GM Ted Thompson.  Rodgers has answered the call this season by passing at a 67% completion clip for 1668 yards with 12 TDs against 4 interceptions through 7 games of the 2008 season, his first as the full-time starter.  His injury history offers some area of concern, but when healthy he efficiently runs the game plan with a minimum of errors.

In addition to his capabilities as a starting quarterback, Rodgers is an interesting individual who is well liked by his teammates. 

If there were any holdouts in Packerland, the message is quite clear.  The Packers are his team now.

Sources: JSOnline, Packers.com, NFL.com

Tmil42AAA-er

373 days ago

Score 0

I think it's pretty good for him. He seems, by all accounts, to be a classy guy and a great teammate. But shouldn't they let him get an entire season under his belt before giving him an extension?

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CheezerAll-Star

373 days ago

Score 1

I would have waited, but TT likes to move early with his favorites. And as TT's first draft selection, Rodgers is definitely a favorite.

I like the the kid.

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TheruffianVarsity Captain

373 days ago

Score 1

SOP would call for an extension to come at the end of the season, but why not get it out of the way now. After 3yrs holding a clipboard and everything that went down in the off season I think he has proven himself to be not only a good QB but a person of outstanding character. Totally deserved and one less thing to worry about.

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JuTMSY4Legend

373 days ago

Score 1

Makes sense...lock him up for 6 years at 65 or you could end up like ben roethlisberger, who the steelers have for 8 years oh and over 100 million dollars

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