In one of the Green Bay Packers' attempts to fix their relationship with Aaron Rodgers, they offered to make the reigning NFL MVP the league's highest-paid quarterback, sources told Bob McGinn of The Athletic.
Rodgers' $33.5-million average annual salary ranks fifth in the NFL, according to Spotrac. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tops all players at $45 million per season.
However, Rodgers' dissatisfaction reportedly stems from more than just his contract situation. He's also unhappy with Green Bay's personnel decisions.
One move that reportedly "drove Rodgers nuts" last year was the release of wide receiver Jake Kumerow just one day after the signal-caller praised the pass-catcher.
The 37-year-old is reportedly determined to not return to the Packers if general manager Brian Gutekunst remains with the team. Rodgers has mocked Gutekunst in group chats with his teammates by referring to the executive as Jerry Krause, reports McGinn.
Krause was the Chicago Bulls general manager during the team's six NBA title campaigns and was heavily criticized by Michael Jordan.
The Packers believe other clubs may have contacted Rodgers to determine whether he's interested in playing for them, sources told Rob Demovsky of ESPN. The San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos are reportedly among those teams.
San Francisco general manager John Lynch said he called the Packers about Rodgers' availability but his inquiry was quickly rejected.
Rodgers reportedly wants to be more involved in the Packers' personnel choices and would consider retiring if the situation isn't improved.
Former quarterback Norm Van Brocklin and running back Jim Brown are the only reigning MVPs in NFL history to not return to their team the following season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Both retired after capturing the award.
