“I do not for one second believe this is a four-year commitment” - Former Packers GM doubts Aaron Rodgers’ long-term future with team
Aaron Rodgers has officially announced his return to the Green Bay Packers for the 2022 season. We know the reigning MVP will be a Packer next season, but we don't know how many years his contract is for and how much money he'll be making.
While some believe Rodgers is in it with Green Bay for the long haul, others are doubtful. Some of those doubters include former Packers general manager Andrew Brandt.
Brandt appeared on the Rich Eisen Show on Thursday and doubted Rodgers has committed to the Packers for longer than a year. Due to the Packers' way of structuring their contracts, Brandt doesn't see guarantees that would keep Rodgers past 2022. Brandt said,
“But we heard talk, as you said, about a four-year contract and all these big numbers. I am saying this. I do not for one second believe this is a four-year commitment to Aaron Rodgers or from Aaron Rodgers. And I do believe the Packers are not giving up on Jordan Love. So what does that mean?"
Brandt elaborated on how the Packers' contracts work with the salary cap. According to him, Rodgers will likely have a low salary this year. Brandt doesn't believe there will be $150 million in guarantees, saying,
I know because I started this 20 some years ago. The Packers do not guarantee true guarantee more than the first year of the contract. And they have held that, even through Aaron Rodger’s last contract. So this idea of 150 million guaranteed, well, maybe. But it’s not going to be a real guarantee. The real guarantee is going to be some huge signing bonus this year, which will be prorated for a number of years to dummy out the cap, and for people who don't know you take the signing bonus and prorated on the existing number of years. You get a cap number way down, which they need. He’ll have a low salary.”
Brandt's viewpoint is a sharp contrast to what many who have grown tired of Aaron Rodgers dominating the offseason narrative wanted to hear. Until we know the details surrounding Rodgers' contract, it's too early to conclude whether he'll finish his career with the team that drafted him.
Joined old friend @richeisen about Aaron, QB carousel. Told him that unless contract indicates differently (which I don't think it will), the Aaron decision is a one-year Last Dance: youtube.com/watch?v=73-lqR…
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will run it back in 2022
Rodgers will return to the Packers in 2022 with another Super Bowl contending roster. Many players need to be addressed on the roster, including two of their defensive anchors in recent seasons, Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith.
Rodgers, however, will be playing alongside some of his favorite teammates, including Aaron Jones, Davante Adams, and David Bakhtiari. Those relationships are a big reason why he is excited to return to the Packers.
🏼 #year18
Hey everyone, just wanted to clear some things up; YES I will be playing with the @packers next year, however, reports about me signing a contract are inaccurate, as are the supposed terms of the contract I “signed”. I’m very excited to be back 💪🏼 #year18❤️
The last three seasons have been a letdown for the Packers, despite winning 13 games in each regular season. Aaron Rodgers has won two consecutive MVP awards, and the defenses on those respective Packers teams have been above average.
2022 will be viewed as Super Bowl or bust for Rodgers, regardless of how many years he's under contract.