The numbers are officially in, and as expected, quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not be playing for just $10 million this year. Despite his previous assertions, the latest reports confirm that his contract is a one-year deal with a maximum value of $19.5 million. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, the base salary is set at $13.65 million, with $10 million guaranteed.
Rodgers, often known for his candid remarks, can still claim he is playing for $10 million. However, the reality is he is set to earn significantly more, thanks to the structure of his contract. While the guaranteed amount is indeed $10 million, the actual playing salary is $13.65 million, plus additional incentives that could boost his earnings.
Under the current labor agreement, any non-guaranteed salary becomes fully guaranteed as of Week 1. This means that the only scenario in which Rodgers would receive just $10 million is if he were to be cut before the start of the season—a situation that is highly unlikely. The contract also includes $5.85 million in playtime and team performance incentives, indicating that he has the potential to earn even more based on his performance.
While the exact terms of these incentives have yet to be disclosed, it is clear that achieving the full $19.5 million requires certain conditions to be met. Nonetheless, this arrangement positions Rodgers as the second lowest-paid starting quarterback on a non-rookie contract. The only player earning less is Giants quarterback Russell Wilson.
It's worth noting that while Wilson could technically earn more than Rodgers, he would need to meet all of his performance-based incentives, which includes an improbable scenario where the Giants finish the season with a perfect record of 17-0. On the other hand, we believe that the Pittsburgh Steelers will not require a flawless season for Rodgers to reach that maximum payout of $19.5 million.
In summary, while Aaron Rodgers initially suggested he would be playing for $10 million, the details of his contract reveal a more lucrative deal that could significantly enhance his earnings this season.
