Packers, Aaron Rodgers Far Apart On Contract
It doesn’t sound like a new deal between Packers and Aaron Rodgers is imminent. No meaningful progress has been made recently on a contract extension and nothing will happen right away, barring a dramatic change, a source tells Mike Florio of PFT. 
[RELATED: Aaron Rodgers Wants To Play Until He’s 40]
Rodgers is averaging about $22MM/year on his current deal and will average $19.9MM in the final two years of the pact. Those numbers are well below market for a quarterback of his caliber, but Rodgers also isn’t publicly making a big fuss over his next deal. Behind the scenes, it’s likely that Rodgers has pushed for a unique deal to highlight his unique talent level.
“It’s only been on my mind because … people have been writing and talking about it a lot,” Rodgers said recently when asked about the possibility of a non-traditional contract extension. “There have been many conversations about it. I think that there’s some merit to looking into where you do a non-traditional contractual agreement. If anybody at this point is gonna be able to do something like that, I think there needs to be a conversation about it. I never said anything about [tying the contract to] the cap. I just think there’s ways to do contracts where you can still be competitive so the team is happy about it, but have some more freedom.”
The Packers, meanwhile, have lots of leverage here. After paying him $39.8MM over the next two seasons, the Packers can franchise tag him in 2021. After that, they can franchise tag him once again for 2022, if they’re willing to give him a 20% pay bump over the ’21 tender. Assuming a rate of $27MM in ’21, that comes out an average of less than $25MM/year for the next four seasons. It’s not clear what the Packers would want in return for surrendering that option, especially since it would keep Rodgers in place through his age-38 season.
Aaron Rodgers Wants To Play Until 40
Aaron Rodgers turns 35 in December, but retirement doesn’t appear to be anywhere on his radar. The Packers quarterback says he wants to play until he’s 40 (via Peter King of NBC Sports). 
“I’d love to play to 40,” Rodgers said. “I just think that number means a lot. Obviously, [Tom] Brady is kind of rewriting the book. Brett [Favre] had a good season when he turned 40. My goal is be able to move like I do or close to how I do and still be able to do that at 40 … just because nobody’s been able to do that and still move around the same. Steve Young’s career was cut short in his late thirties. John [Elway], the same—he didn’t really move the same as when he was younger. So to be able to move the same way at 38, 39, 40 would be cool. That’s my aim.”
Rodgers has had setbacks, including two clavicle injuries in the last five years that have cost him a combined 16 games. Some may say that Rodgers has to adjust his game and get rid of the ball sooner, but the QB doesn’t agree. He says he’ll look to play for several more seasons while occasionally taking big hits when necessary.
Rodgers also reiterated his desire to finish his career as a member of the Packers, though he indicated that his next deal might break the mold.
“It’s only been on my mind because … people have been writing and talking about it a lot,” he said when asked about the possibility of a unique contract extension. “There have been many conversations about it. I think that there’s some merit to looking into where you do a non-traditional contractual agreement. If anybody at this point is gonna be able to do something like that, I think there needs to be a conversation about it. I never said anything about [tying the contract to] the cap. I just think there’s ways to do contracts where you can still be competitive so the team is happy about it, but have some more freedom.”
Rodgers recently said that reports of him seeking out-clauses and options on his contract to stay in control of his deal are just “conjecture,” but the QB appears to have confirmed that talk in his chat with King.
Tramon Williams, Josh Jackson Battle To Watch
- The Packers battle between Tramon Williams and rookie Josh Jackson for a starting cornerback spot will be one of the most interesting competitions to keep an eye on, writes Nick Shook of NFL.com. Shook points out that Williams is 35, and that the Packers might be eager to usher in a “new era” at cornerback with Jackson. Williams could hang on as a starter for one final year, but it won’t be long until the Packers’ younger cornerbacks take over.
Minor NFL Transactions: 7/13/18
Here are today’s minor moves:
Green Bay Packers
- Claimed OL Ethan Cooper off waivers from Giants
- Waived: OL Kyle Meadows
Demovsky: Graham Big Upgrade On Bennett
- While Martellus Bennett received plenty of hype after joining the Packers last year, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com views Jimmy Graham as a better fit in Green Bay’s offense, adding the addition of the former Saints and Seahawks tight end is a “significant upgrade.” At the very least, the 31-year-old pass-catcher gives Aaron Rodgers a lethal red zone presence. Graham’s yards-per-catch average plummeted from 14.2 in 2016 to 9.1 last season, but he scored 10 touchdowns — by far his most in a season in Seattle.
Randall Cobb, Clay Matthews On "Chopping Block"?
Randall Cobb and Clay Matthews are two of the longest tenured members of the Packers, but their time in Green Bay could be coming to an end. There’s been a drop in production for both in recent years and both are heading into the final year of their contracts. Both have non-guaranteed salaries for 2018, and could be cap-casualties this summer.
When asked which big names could be on the chopping block this summer, Jason Fitzgerald of Overthecap.com listed both Cobb and Matthews (Twitter link). Cobb has been held to less than 700 receiving yards in back to back seasons and was recently spotted in a walking boot. If the Packers do decide to move on from either player, it would be the end of a very successful era for the fan favorites.
NFL Suspends Packers RB Aaron Jones
The hits just keep on comin’. On Tuesday afternoon, the NFL announced that Packers running back Aaron Jones has been suspended for the first two games of the season after violating the league’s substance abuse policy. 
In typical fashion, the NFL has used the cover of the upcoming holiday as a cover for its less-than-positive news. First, a two-game ban was announced for 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster. Then, Rams lineman Jamon Brown was hit with a two-game suspension. Now, Jones has been sidelined for the first two weeks of the regular season.
Jones was slated to start the year as the Packers’ top ball-carrier this year, along with former wide receiver Ty Montgomery. Now, Jones will have to wait until Week 3 to take the field.
It’s likely that Jones’ ban stems from the multiple charges he picked up from a traffic stop in October of last year. Jones, who told authorities that he had smoked marijuana, pleaded not guilty to counts of speeding, driving without a valid license, and operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in his system.
Jones, 23, averaged an eye-popping 5.5 yards per carry in a limited 12-game sample for the Packers last year. This year, he’ll miss the club’s first two games against the Bears and Vikings before returning on Sept. 23 to face the Redskins.
Poll: Which Team Will Sign Dez Bryant?
Dez Bryant, to our knowledge, has not drawn a significant offer since turning down a three-year, $21MM offer from the Ravens. As his market stagnated, Bryant’s camp leaked word that he would not be signing until July. Well, here we are.
We’ve heard very little about Bryant over the last four weeks, so it’s anyone’s guess as to where he’ll land. And, if it’s anyone’s guess, it might as well be our guess. Before we ask you predict where Bryant will land, let’s run down some of the possible contenders: 
49ers – Bryant has openly lobbied for an opportunity with the Niners and there’s reason to believe that could become a reality. The 49ers stayed away from the wide receivers at the top of this year’s free agent market, but Bryant’s price tag figures to be a lot lower than that of Sammy Watkins or Allen Robinson. With more than $45MM in cap room – good for third-highest in the NFL – the Niners certainly have the space to take on a player of Bryant’s caliber. And, because they have an eye on the future, they could be willing to give Bryant the one-year platform deal he is seeking. The 49ers have some talent at wide receiver including Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin, but none of the receivers expected to make the roster are above 6’0″. Bryant – billed at 6’2″ – would give provide them with a tall red zone target.
Bills – Outside of No. 1 WR Kelvin Benjamin, the Bills have tons of question marks at the position. Bryant is the best wide receiver still available (or, at least, the biggest name left), so he could make some sense as the player to supplant the unreliable Zay Jones as the team’s No. 2 WR. Bills GM Brandon Beane didn’t sound enthusiastic when talking about Bryant back in April, but he didn’t explicitly rule him out either.
Cardinals – After losing both John Brown and Jaron Brown, the Cardinals could be interested in adding some talent to their wide receiver group. Then again, they may already feel comfortable with J.J. Nelson, rookie Christian Kirk, and free agent addition Brice Butler behind Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals have upwards of $13MM in cap space, according to the NFLPA, so they have the cash necessary to sign Bryant if they want him.
Cowboys – When the Cowboys released Bryant earlier this year, they were not aware of Jason Witten‘s impending retirement. Months later, could they circle back to Bryant in order to fortify their lackluster WR group? Probably not, but we’ll put them on the board anyway and let you decide.
Eagles – After Bryant was released, he indicated that he wanted to play in the NFC East in order to face the Cowboys pay twice in 2018. The Eagles, in theory, could make some sense now that Torrey Smith is out of the picture and Alshon Jeffery is out for the offseason with a shoulder injury. However, the Eagles already have a new veteran in Mike Wallace and their $6MM in cap space might not be enough to land Bryant, even if they wanted him.
Packers – The Packers have been speculatively linked to Bryant over the last few months. Some see a potential fit, but others, such as Aaron Rodgers, do not. The Packers are now without Jordy Nelson, but they drafted three wide receivers while retaining Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, and Geronimo Allison, so there might not be any room in the inn.
Patriots – The Patriots will be without Julian Edelman for the first four games of the year, which could lead them to consider Bryant. They also have a history of signing older big-name wide receivers with reputation problems, including Randy Moss and Chad Johnson (some worked out better than others), so the possibility of adding the mercurial Bryant cannot be discounted. On the other hand, they have plenty of weapons to get them through the opening month of the season in Chris Hogan, Kenny Britt, Jordan Matthews, Phillip Dorsett, and Cordarrelle Patterson, not to mention Malcolm Mitchell and speedy rookie Braxton Berrios, who may or may not make the final cut. There’s also a tight end by the name of Rob Gronkowski who should be able to catch an extra pass or two while Edelman is out.
Saints – With a wide receiver group of Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn Jr., free agent addition Cameron Meredith, third round pick Tre’Quan Smith, and Brandon Coleman, is there room for Bryant? Not necessarily, but there also wasn’t a clear spot for Adrian Peterson in New Orleans before the Saints signed him last year. The Saints have a little more than $7MM in cap space, which could be enough to sign Bryant depending on his market at this stage of the offseason and his desire to play for a contender.
Redskins – Former teammate Orlando Scandrick has advocated for Washington to sign Bryant and the Redskins would give him the opportunity to face the Cowboys twice per year. The problem, however, is that the Redskins seem pretty set at the top of the order with Josh Doctson, Jamison Crowder, and Paul Richardson.
Titans – The Titans have talent at wide receiver, but Rishard Matthews‘ support staff is decidedly inexperienced. With Corey Davis, Taywan Taylor, and Tajae Sharpe all yet to celebrate their 24th birthday, could the Titans consider Bryant? In theory, he would add some experience to the group, but he might not be a great influence on the younger guys.
Click below to make your choice and defend your decision in the comment section:
Latest On Aaron Rodgers, Packers Negotiations
Could an Aaron Rodgers extension be on the horizon? That’s what Packers president Mark Murphy seemed to be insinuating when asked about the progress of the negotiations. Murphy told WTMJ.com that the Packers “hope to soon have a contract extension” for Rodgers (via Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com).
Rodgers is set to earn $22MM next season, but the quarterback market has already been reset due to recent deals signed by Kirk Cousins and Matt Ryan. The Packers signal-caller will trail other quarterbacks by around $8MM, meaning he’ll surely be in line for a sizable pay increase. However, as Florio points out, Rodgers is realistically four years away from hitting the open market. The 34-year-old has two years left on his contract, and it makes sense to apply the franchise tag for a player of his caliber for the two years after that.
Besides a pay increase, we also recently heard that Rodgers could be seeking options and out-clauses in his next contract. However, the quarterback quickly rejected those rumors, citing the slow offseason as a reason for the false claims. There were also whispers that the franchise quarterback was frustrated that the organization didn’t talk to him before releasing wideout Jordy Nelson and parting ways with quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt. It was said that the relationship “isn’t in total disrepair,” although there was clear tension between the two sides.
Rodgers was limited to only seven games last season after suffering a fractured right collarbone in mid-October. While his team went 4-3 in his seven starts, he still managed to put up solid numbers. Rodgers ultimately finished the campaign having completed 64.7-percent of his passes for 1,675 yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Kyle Murphy Competing For Packers' RT Job
- Offensive tackle Kyle Murphy showed well in three games as a Packers‘ starter in 2017, but he’s now attempting to come back from a foot injury that cost him the remainder of the season, as Mike Spofford of Packers.com details. Murphy, a 2016 sixth-round pick, was fully cleared for minicamp, and now could have a legitimate chance to start on the right side of Green Bay’s front five. Bryan Bulaga, the Packers’ nominal right tackle, is once again dealing with injuries of his own, and if he’s not medically cleared, right tackle will turn into a competition between Murphy, former second-rounder Jason Spriggs, and veteran addition Byron Bell. As a unit, Green Bay’s offensive line ranked fifth in run-blocking but just 28th in pass-blocking, per Football Outsiders.