Joe Douglas and the New York Jets’ front office are working on cap gymnastics with Aaron Rodgers’ contract
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the New York Jets and Aaron Rodgers “are in the process of renegotiating [Rodgers’] contract.”
Before the Green Bay Packers traded Rodgers to the Jets, he restructured his contract. By lowering his 2023 salary to the minimum, it allowed the Jets financial flexibility on the contracts of other players. Cimini reports that Rodgers did this with the understanding that the restructure was only temporary.
Now, the Jets are making good on their word. Currently, Rodgers would be paid $1.2 million this year and $107.6 million in 2024. According to Cimini, a chunk of his 2024 compensation will be returned to 2023.
While Rodgers has not verbally committed to playing for the Jets beyond 2023, the general expectation is that he will play in New York for more than one season. In fact, he made a point to specify his time with the Jets won’t be “a one and done”, so it makes sense for both parties to get this contract re-working completed. For the Jets, it gives them extra maneuverability. For Rodgers, it allows the team to provide him with a better supporting cast to increase his chances of success.
Renegotiating Rodgers’ contract is important for the Jets as they plan their long-term cap outlook, especially with All-Pro players like Quinnen Williams due to receive a new contract this offseason. Hopefully, Rodgers’ contract can be structured in a way that will allow the team to not only retain Williams, but make future moves without being hindered by salary cap issues.
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