Comments on: Rodgers signs long-term deal with Pack

By: joshywoshybigfatposhy

joshywoshybigfatposhy — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:35:14 +0000

i think the only real concern i’ve heard about rodgers is his willingness to be a vocal leader – essentially, to be an asshole when necessary – something i think we’ve realized favre was more than willing to do.

but i remember stories about favre being essentially ‘whipped’ by sterling sharpe (who was his own brand of asshole), and i think it was helpful, while simultaneously devastating, that sharpe had a career-ending injury. a similar thing has happened to eli manning re: shockey (although i still think manning’s a puss). of course, the comparisons don’t match up perfectly, since there isn’t a veteran prick in the huddle with rodgers, but i think the situation he’s in this year, and that it’s only his third year – his willingness to expect more from his surrounding cast will only grow, and given what we’ve seen from him so far, he’ll deserve the respect he’ll ultimately demand.

and… just for perspective’s sake: let’s just say you were making $40,000/year at your current job, and the 2nd quarter results came in from corporate, and they were quite favorable, especially given that one of the more prolific salesman in the company’s history had left the previous year – well, if this should happen to any of you, and you believe in precedent being important, even across industries — go ahead and ask for that raise. if you get it, you’ll be making about $705,000.

in the words of frank barone – holy crap.

By: DaveK

DaveK — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:05:01 +0000

A little more is out about the contract from PFT. It is actually 63.5 million over FIVE years. It was originally reported at $65 million over SIX years. So, the average is $12.7 million which makes him top 5 paid QB in the league. The contract is also front loaded with a signifigant portion of it paid this year as the Packers had plenty of cap room. (apparently Jennings has declined to redo his contract until the offseason.) The first three years of the contract pay $28 million. But, the Packers only guaranteed $20 million of the contract which is lower then other recently signed QB contracts. It looks like the Packers think they found their franchise QB and have paid him in that regard but didn’t really break the bank and protected themselves as much as possible against injury with the low guaranteed amount. Rodgers goes from $680,000 base salary to probably around $10-$12 million this year. I am guessing both sides are very very happy.

I wonder if the Bears give Orton an extension before Monday. I believe he and Grossman both signed one year deals before the season. I don’t think the Bears have much cap room this year though and may have to wait until after the season. Of course, he could then sign anywhere at that point. It would be comical if the Bears finally found a decent QB only to let him slip away.

By: Jimmy

Jimmy — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:14:56 +0000

I think this was a smart move by the Packers. I have been very impressed with the play by Rodgers thus far. I just hope the fans will start to move on at some point regarding Brett. I think most have, but some just can’t deal with change. Sad, very sad.

By: The Choj

The Choj — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 23:59:16 +0000

just bought myself a nice autographed a-rodg mini-helmet to add to the memorabilia collection…good to know it wasn’t in vain

I BELIEVE IN AARON RODGERS!

http://www.cafepress.com/ibelieveinarodg

By: DaveK

DaveK — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:37:06 +0000

Per NFL network:
Six year deal worth $65 million with $20 million guaranteed. So, he’ll average $10.83 million a year.

Romo signed a similar deal for $67 million with $30 million guaranteed. Average of $11.2 million a year.

Rothlesburger, in March, signed an eight year contract for $102 with $36 guaranteed. $12.75 average per year.

Two years ago the Saints signed Brees for six years at $60 million with $10 million guaranteed.

By: RayMidge

RayMidge — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:51:03 +0000

Great move. I understand that a major reason for the timing is that contracts signed before this Monday allow money to be counted against this years salary cap number and the Pack is $20 mil (!!) under at the moment. For that reason we could be hearing about Jennings soon too. I would consider signing either guy long term to be a no-brainer, so might as well do it now and use that space down the road for the next Woodson, Reggie White etc…

By: DaveK

DaveK — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:38:17 +0000

When you find a QB that has shown the accuracy, smarts, composure, and arm strength of Rodgers along with all the other intangibles that are required to be a team leader and franchise QB then you better get him locked into a long term deal. There are about 20 other teams that would love to have him.

By: PackerBelle

PackerBelle — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:12:38 +0000

I think this is a smart move. The injury risk is still a concern but Rodgers has shown he can play through pain and play pretty well too. I also don’t think we need to worry about Rodgers being another Hunt – Rodgers knows that the minute he starts to slip he’ll get the Favre comparisons again. He really seems like he has something he wants to prove.

Any long term contract is a risk, but I think this was a good decision.

Now we just need to sign Jennings to a similar contract.