The Green Bay Packers have agreed to sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a five-year, $110 million contract extension, giving him the highest salary per season in the NFL, reliable league sources reported on Friday.
Rodgers's new deal eclipsed the six-year, $120 million extension deal signed by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco last March.
According to ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen, Rodgers is set to pocket $40 million in 2013 - including bonus money. The deal allows the Packers to keep their signal-caller up to the 2019 season.
"Big thanks to the Organization, our coaching staff, my teammates, and packer nation for the last 8 years! Excited about 7 more!" Rodgers tweeted on Friday, according to ESPN.
The Packers had been trying to lock up Rodgers, who led them to a 53-27 record as a starter and a Super Bowl crown in 2010. Green Bay recently signed linebacker Clay Matthews to a long term deal, keeping the nucleus of the team intact for future title drives.
"An exciting day for our football program," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said in a statement, according to ESPN. "Aaron is an excellent illustration of a Green Bay Packer. It is truly a blessing to witness his continued accomplishments, both on and off the field."
Te'o now a Charger, Smith selected by Jets
Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Teo was finally taken sixth in the second round of the NFL entry draft by the San Diego Chargers at Radio City Music Hall on Friday.
The All-American linebacker entered the draft as the projected first round pick but he suddenly went free-fall from the draft order because of his lackluster performance against Alabama in the National Championship game, unimpressive workouts, and arguably a hoax created by a "fake" girlfriend.
Nevertheless, Te'o remains a talented linebacker with the ability to impact the game defensively. He becomes the third linebacker to be chosen in this year's draft. The Chargers managed to get Te'o after trading up with Arizona at no.38 overall.
Meanwhile, the Jets finally have a solid backup quarterback and potentially the face of the future after drafting West Virginia's Geno Smith at no.39 overall.
Smith was considered the best quarterback in this year's draft class but for some undisclosed reasons the prospect dropped to the second round.
Safety John Cyprien of Florida International was taken first off the board to kick off the second and third round selection process on Friday.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
