New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers shocked the football world last week when he agreed to a new contract with the team. Unlikely many players in his position, the deal wasn’t for a raise. Instead, he willingly took a massive pay cut.
While it was reported that Aaron Rodgers signed a two-year, $75 million deal with the Jets, it was actually a seven-year pact. New York was motivated to do it so that they will have some control over how the end of Aaron Rodgers’ career goes should he decide to play more than two or three seasons.
While there will be some major monetary implications down the line, it was a worthwhile deal for the Jets to make. That is because Aaron Rodgers voluntarily gave back $35 million, which they plan to use right away.
Free agent star running back, Dalvin Cook, could be the first piece that New York adds with their newfound cap space. While he may be the first addition, he assuredly won’t be the last as Aaron Rodgers was thinking ahead when agreeing to the new contract.
Aaron Rodgers recently revealed the reason for taking such a massive pay cut. According to Peter King via JPAFootball on Twitter, he wanted to ensure that the Jets had money to chase stars via trade that come available during the regular season.
“Big names move at the trade deadline now. I wanted to make sure that if somebody valuable came available, we’d be able to get him,” Rodgers said.
The first name that anyone will connect to such a statement is wide receiver Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders. There were reports recently that he could look to force his way out of Sin City with an eye toward reuniting with Aaron Rodgers on the Jets.
A wide receiver isn’t anywhere near the most pressing need on the roster. Long-time Green Bay Packers teammates Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb have already been added this offseason in free agency along with Mecole Hardman. They join reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and Corey Davis on the depth chart.
The Jets will probably bide their time and hold onto their cap space until the perfect opportunity to strike presents itself. Having wiggle room knowing injuries are inevitable certainly isn’t the worst thing for the Jets.
