How Aaron Rodgers Negotiated His “Last Dance”

The rocky relationship between reigning NFL MVP/former Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers has led to a compromise from both parties.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the two sides have negotiated terms that are close to ensuring Rodgers will report to training camp on time and play out the season in Green Bay.

The agreement in principle is expected to include a laundry list of conditions to satisfy Rodgers, per Schefter:

• The 2023 year in Rodgers' contract -- the last one in his current deal -- would be voided, with no tags allowed in the future.

• The Packers would agree to review Rodgers' situation at the end of this season.

• Rodgers' contract would be adjusted with no loss of income to give the Packers more cap room now.

• Mechanisms will be put in place to address Rodgers' issues with the team.

Once finalized, the Packers’ agreement to review the situation after the season sets Rodgers up to control his own destiny going forward and determine where the future Hall of Fame quarterback would like to finish his career.

Both sides hope to finalize the agreement by the start of training camp, setting the stage for Rodgers’ franchise leading 17th season in Green Bay.

Just this weekend, Rodgers and teammate Davante Adams simultaneously posted the same photo of another star duo – Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Social media quickly went into a frenzy, wondering if the post indicated it would be the ‘Last Dance’ for the star duo in Green Bay.

Following the news of this compromise, it seems the Bulls breakup is exactly what Rodgers and Adams were referencing.

Rodgers’ likely departure from the Packers is sure to send shockwaves throughout the league next offseason as it is not very common in the NFL for a difference-making quarterback to become available. The list of suitors will surely be lengthy, with teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers all potentially getting involved.

With fellow star quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson, legal case pending, also expected to be on the move over the next twelve months, the coming year could be quarterback roulette across the NFL.

Rodgers’ reworked deal reaffirms the power of the star athlete today. In many ways, this type of amended agreement is unprecedented in the NFL. Green Bay is essentially voiding the final two years of Rodgers’ contract as an olive branch to ensure Rodgers reports to training camp for one final run with the franchise, with the Packers recognizing the value of an MVP caliber quarterback leading the way for their team.

Like Jordan, Pippen, and the rest of the 1998 Chicago Bulls, Rodgers, Adams, and the Green Bay Packers will hope for one last hoorah and a season that culminates with another championship.

By: Billy Reinhardt

@BillyReinhardt

Hofstra Law 2L, Fordham University Alum, Brooklyn Nets Reporter for NetsDaily