Aaron Rodgers wasn't worried about contract negotiations dragging on. The Packers quarterback has been around long enough to not let such things bother him.
Nevertheless, the two-time NFL MVP said Thursday he was glad the team and agent David Dunn were able to agree on a reported four-year, $134 million extension before he opens his 14th NFL season — and 11th as the Packers' starting quarterback — Sept. 9 against Chicago at Lambeau Field.
"There was never a timetable in my mind," Rodgers said during a conference call. "Had we gotten nothing done before the regular season starts, in my mind it wasn't something we couldn't get done at some point, even if that meant pushing off to the bye week. But the last couple weeks, things picked up progressively each day and I kind of felt about a week ago that this was going to be a reality before the season started."
The 34-year-old Rodgers missed most of last season after breaking his right collarbone in October. He can now focus on trying to get the Packers back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2010 season and leading them through the 2023 season when he'll turn 40. Rodgers had two years left on the five-year, $110 million extension he signed in 2013.
Gronk highest-paid tight end in NFL
Rob Gronkowski's agent says the Patriots star is the NFL's highest paid tight end after New England reworked his contract to add $4.3 million this season.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus said that Gronkowski's deal for the next two seasons adds $1 million in per game bonuses and $3.3 million in incentives for things such as catches, playing time and touchdowns.
Gronkowski's base salary stays at $8 million, with the additions boosting the potential value to more than $13 million.
Gronkowski is widely considered the top tight end in football and one of the best all-time at his position as he enters his ninth season. He had 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games.
