Aaron Rodgers reveals if he'd be able to walk away from significant money left on contract
The speculation on the future of Aaron Rodgers has only just begun. With the Green Bay Packers out of the playoff hunt after last night’s loss to the Detroit Lions, the 39-year old four-time MVP may decide it’s time to walk away rather than suit up for a 19th season later on in 2023.
However, the new deal he signed last offseason worth a record amount at $200 million over the course of four years could complicate that decision depending on how it plays out. Still, Rodgers says he’d be more than willing to walk away from that wealth if that’s what he was led to do.
“Yes (I could walk away from my contract),” said Rodgers. “Money is energy and I have made a ton of it. I’m very thankful for this organization and the generational wealth that they’ve offered me. Hopefully they feel like I’ve earned a lot of it. But, yeah. For sure. I could definitely walk away from that.”
Amid similar speculation last offseason, Rodger signed this deal to further show his commitment to the Packers and a future in the NFL. It guaranteed the four-time All-Pro and one-time Super Bowl winner $153 million to remain in Green Bay. That means, if Rodgers were to step away, he’d be leaving as much as $108 million on the table from what he’d be owed in 2023 and 2024.
Even so, it sounds like Rodgers is at peace with leaving the money behind if that’s what his decision costs him. Now we’ll all just have to wait and see if he does so or not depending on what he elects to do as he enters the offseason.
Rodgers addresses his future in Green Bay
Aaron Rodgers certainly looked like a quarterback soaking in his final moments on Sunday, but who knows what the future holds?
Emotions were running high after the Detroit Lions knocked the Packers out of the playoff race, but that didn’t stop the media from asking the Green Bay star if his NFL career was over.
“I mean, it’s a little raw right now,” started Rodgers. “It’s just a little bit after the game, so. Want to take the emotion out of it, and have conversations. See where the organization is at. See how I feel after some time has passed.”
According to the Packers quarterback himself, he won’t allow his decision to impede the franchise from making moves for the coming seasons.
“I’m not going to hold them hostage,” added the defending MVP. “You know, I understand we’re still in January here. March is free agency. Just need some time to like I said, get the emotion out of it and then figure out what’s best.”.
Of course, the decision isn’t one based solely on the star quarterback, as the Packers will have a say in it too, which Rodgers recognized.
“No, I don’t think so,” answered Rodgers, asked if the decision is solely his own. “There’s got to be mutual on both sides.”
Additionally, while the longtime Packers quarterback has never known another franchise, there’s always the possibility of him suiting up for another squad. Asked about it after the game, Rodgers didn’t rule it out.
“I don’t know. I don’t like saying never, but I’ve got to see how I’m feeling first, once the emotion is out of it,” the former Packers first round pick stated. “Have the right conversations and see what the best direction is.”