Aaron Rodgers Wants a New Contract, ‘Gutted’ by NFC Championship Loss

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers sent a message during the post-game press conference after the NFC Championship Game loss, but what exactly was he trying to say?

Pro Football Talk reports Rodgers wants a new contract.

After the Packers lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-26 in the NFC Championship Game in Green Bay, Rodgers said a lot of guys’ futures were uncertain — including his own.

“That’s what’s sad about it most,” Rodgers said after the NFC Championship Game loss to Tampa Bay. “Getting this far, obviously, there’s going to be an end to it at some point, whether we make it past this one or not, but just the uncertainties is tough.”

He’s due to make $22.35 million in 2021, $25.5 million in 2022, and $25.5 million in 2023, Pro Football Talk reports.

Rodgers currently ranks No. 5 in average new-money value, behind Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, who brings in $45 million.

Texans QB Deshaun Watson earns $39 million, Seahawks QB Russell Wilson brings in $35 million, and Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger earns $34 million.

Rodgers earns the same amount as former Rams QB Jared Goff was set to make as the starter in Los Angeles. Goff and some future draft picks have since been traded to the Detroit Lions in exchange for QB Mathew Stafford.

Rodgers went on The Pat McAfee Show two days after the game and said his post-game comments weren’t new thoughts — he said he started the season with similar comments.

“I don’t think there’s any reason why I wouldn’t be back, but look, there are not many absolutes in this business…” he said. “My future is not in my hands.”

"I don't feel like I said anything that I hadn't said before.. It was just more of a realization I think that ultimately my future is not necessarily in my control…

I don't think there's any reason I wouldn't be back"@AaronRodgers12 #PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/u1Qnjiugv6

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 26, 2021

Rodgers has a cap number in excess of $37 million for 2021, but a new contract could easily reduce it, PFT reports.

A new deal would also reflect the team’s commitment to Rodgers over the next few years — based on the guaranteed payments and the cap consequences arising from cutting or trading him — and provide clarity on where he stands.