NFL All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers wasn’t always known as the consummate team player with the Green Bay Packers. But he’s doing his best to change that image with the New York Jets.
After forcing his way out of Green Bay earlier this offseason, Rodgers made the surprising move by taking a $35 million pay cut from his old contract, which guaranteed him $110 million, to play for the Jets.
Speaking with Peter King of NBC Sports, Rodgers revealed that he took less money so the Jets, who gave up a sizable package to trade for him, could make a move at the trade deadline if one presented itself.
“What it comes down to is … it was the right thing that made me feel best,” Rodgers told King. “I thought it was important they knew how committed I was. And in my conversations with [GM] Joe [Douglas], he has made it very clear the vision for the football team.
“You probably agree with this. This year, compared to like 2005, the amount of transactions that happen now with guys getting cut and the amount of trades — way more than before. Big names move at the trade deadline now. I wanted to make sure that if somebody valuable came available that we’d be able to get him. I’m very happy with the contract. I feel great about it.”
As Rodgers certainly knows, the addition of the right piece at the deadline could be the difference between losing in the playoffs and winning a Super Bowl. If Rodgers can climb that mountain again, it will certainly make for $35 million well spent in his mind.
