Aaron Rodgers shuts down talk he wants $69 million to stay with Packers

Aaron Rodgers’ decision for the 2022 season is causing a media frenzy, but the four-time NFL MVP has called reports “categorically false”.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 09: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers runs to the locker room at halftime during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 09, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers’ impending decision about his plans for the 2022 season is causing a media frenzy.

On Friday, the two-time reigning MVP denied a report he wants AU$69 million per year on a new contract, according to the NY Post.

Rodgers called the report “categorically false”, according to Pat McAfee, who said on his Friday show he texted the quarterback to address the claim.

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“He wants to be the highest paid player in the NFL by a wide margin, so we’re talking about US$50 million a year,” ESPN’s Dianna Russini said on The Rich Eisen Show.

Russini also doubled down on her reporting that Rodgers will inform the Packers of his future plans “soon”. Those plans could include retirement after 17 seasons with Green Bay, finishing the last year of his contract with the Packers, or taking his talents to another team.

On Friday’s First Things First, former Packers receiver Greg Jennings slammed his former quarterback over the report.

“Aaron Rodgers has been a very selfish guy,” Jennings said.

“I go back to personal experiences. His words to me were, ‘Don’t be that guy.’ All of a sudden, it’s about the money.”

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers. Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

The Packers are reportedly willing to spend a hefty price to retain the four-time NFL MVP. On Thursday, ESPN’s Field Yates reported that the Packers created AU$4.2 million in cap space by turning a portion of Aaron Jones’ 2022 salary into a signing bonus and adding two voidable years to his deal.

Russini also reported that multiple teams are waiting on Rodgers to make a decision and there are a number of offers on the table. However, Green Bay would have to agree to a trade to move forward with any deal.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters on Wednesday he never promised to trade Rodgers after the 2021 season. He also declined to share whether he’d honour a trade request.

Rodgers previously said on The Pat McAfee Show that he will decide by the end of February or early March about his plans for the 2022 season. Teams can begin making trades on March 16, when the new league year begins. The quarterback has also said he doesn’t want to be part of a rebuilding team.

Rodgers threw for 4115 yards and 37 touchdowns against only four interceptions in 16 starts this past season.

Narratives have gone unchecked for a very LONG time.. I reached AHT to @AaronRodgers12 this morning & asked if he wants to be the highest paid NFL player by a large margin...

"categorically false" was his response#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/OkjJPpoKew

— 🅿️at McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 25, 2022

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Aaron Rodgers shuts down talk he wants $69 million to stay with Packers