Aaron Rodgers likes to hang on to the ball longer than any elite QB in the league.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

If the Green Bay Packers are being billed each month to insure Aaron Rodgers, they no doubt are paying the highest premium of any team in the league.

The insurance industry has actuaries to analyze data and determine what you pay to keep your home or auto insured. Let’s look at how an actuary might analyze how much insurance the Packers need for Aaron Rodgers.

Rating Territory
Some parts of the country just have more accidents. That affects your insurance payment. The Packers play a 2013 schedule laden with sack artists. Minnesota’s Jared Allen (12 sacks in 2012) and Chicago’s Julius Peppers (11.5 sacks) will be chasing Rodgers in four games. Additionally, Rodgers will be trying to avoid the shoulder pads of Aldon Smith (19.5 sacks) in week 1, Cincinnati’s Geno Atkins (12.5 sacks) and Michael Johnson (11.5 sacks) in week 3, and the Cowboys’ Demarcus Ware (11.5 sacks) in week 15.

Aaron Rodgers against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Driver Classification
Statistics show younger drivers have more accidents. Rodgers turns 30 in December, but in 2012 he continued to play the part of a youthful driver by hanging onto the ball longer to prolong a play and taking the inevitable punishment that comes with that bravado. See this data-driven analysis from Jersey Al’s website from the Packers-Saints game in 2012. When he did not scramble, Rodgers hung onto the ball, on average, a half second longer than Drew Brees.

Driving Record
Drivers who have been involved in more collisions generally are charged more for insurance. Let’s take a look at the average annual sacks for the elite quarterbacks in their last five full seasons of playing.

Aaron Rodgers. 40 sacks.
Tom Brady. 24 sacks.
Drew Brees. 21 sacks.
Peyton Manning. 16 sacks.

What is ominous is that each of these elite quarterbacks, except for Rodgers, have suffered significant injuries. Manning missed the entire 2011 season as a result of a neck injury. Brady missed all but one game in 2008 due to an anterior cruciate injury. Brees had a torn labrum in the final game of 2005, but was able to return to star form in 2006 after surgery.

You might say, Brett Favre survived getting sacked more than any quarterback in league history without a major injury. Yes, that is true. Favre averaged about 27.6 sacks a season over 19 full seasons. Rodgers is on a pace to shatter that record if he were to compete for 19 seasons, if he doesn’t shatter a bone or retire first. Favre liked to back-pedal after most of his throws, avoiding injury. We don’t see Rodgers doing that much.

How about the number of quarterback hits?  Only six of the league’s 32 teams suffered more quarterback hits than the Packers in 2012.

Aaron Rodgers is best when he can find receivers quickly.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Who was #1? The Philadelphia Eagles, who lost Michael Vick for six games due to injuries.
Who was #3? The Jaguars, who lost Blaine Gabbert to injured reserve.
Who was #4? The Cardinals, who lost Kevin Kolb to injured reserve, too.
Who was #5? The Kansas City Chiefs, who lost the services of quarterback Matt Cassel due to a head injury.

Use of the Car
Do you use your car a lot or just occasionally? The more miles you drive, the more likely you are to have an accident, right? Makes sense.

In 2012, the Packers passed the ball about 59 percent of the time, 14^th in the league. This may surprise some of you who thought the Packers were a pass-happy team.

This is one area where the Packers’ coaches have the most direct control when it comes to protecting Rodgers and reducing his chances for injury. Don’t take the car out every night for a joy ride. Have Eddie Lacy, Jonathon Franklin, or DeJuan Harris give you a lift every now and then.

Type of Car
Do you drive a Mercedes or a Chevy? Replacement value is a factor in the amount of premium you pay each month for your car. With a price tag of $110 million, Aaron Rodgers is the SL63 AMG of the league. Check out that car. It looks cool.

Insurance companies regularly monitor your driving record, classification, etc. Changes bring about changes in your premium. Drafting Lacy in the second round and trading up to get Franklin in the fourth, bypassing other areas of need, is part of the price the Packers are paying to insure Rodgers over the length of his contract.

But is it enough? I think the actuaries are looking for another offensive tackle.

Aaron Rodgers will make his appearance on “The Office” tonight.
Photo courtesy of NBC

No, we’re not sure the discount double-check will be included, nor are we sure football will even be mentioned, but we do know that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will make a cameo appearance on “The Office” tonight.

As the highly-popular television show moves in on its final episode, Rodgers, who has also been mentioned from time to time as a possible guest host on Saturday Night Live, will take a stab at sitcom television. Just last month, Rodgers’ teammate and the fellow who also just signed a multi-year, mega-contract extension with the Packers – Clay Matthews – played himself on a episode of “The Mindy Project” on FOX. And we all remember how Donald Driver captured us all last year with his championship on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Tonight’s episode will feature Rodgers as a judge in an a cappella competition … and yes, we’ve included the snippet that’s been leaked and is being circulated around the Internet this morning (see below).

Here’s the description of the program from the NBC site:

JIM HOLDS TRYOUTS FOR THE ASSISTANT TO THE ASSISTANT TO THE REGIONAL MANAGER— As the office readies for the premiere of the documentary that night, Jim (John Krasinski) convinces Dwight (Rainn Wilson), who is planning to propose to Esther (Nora Kirkpatrick), that he needs an Assistant to the Assistant Regional Manager, and holds tryouts to find the best candidate. Angela (Angela Kinsey) brings her baby to work after her daycare turns her away. Meanwhile, Andy (Ed Helms) attends auditions for “The Next Great A Cappella Sensation.” Guest stars: Aaron Rogers, Clay Aiken, Mark McGrath, Santigold, Jessica St. Clair. Jenna Fischer, Leslie David Baker, Phyllis Smith, Brian Baumgartner, Oscar Nunez, Kate Flannery, Paul Lieberstein, Creed Bratton, Craig Robinson, Ellie Kemper, Catherine Tate, Clark Duke and Jake Lacy also star.

It’s somewhat surprising that Rodgers hasn’t done more work in front of the camera, given his looks and his popularity. He did some analysis with NBC when the network covered Super Bowl XLVI, and appeared (with Brett Favre) as a presenter at the NFL Awards program on the eve of Super Bowl XLVII in February, but this is his first dive into a network television program (of which we’re aware).

So, get the popcorn and soda ready, settle in tonight at 8 p.m. CDT and turn to your local NBC affiliate for Rodgers’ appearance.

Let’s hope it’s not his only 15 minutes of fame.

And BTW, you can come back here shortly after the program airs for our review …

Aaron Rodgers gets a shot at acting when he appears on “The Office” Thursday night.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Put yourself in the shoes of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. You just signed your first huge contract. You are now the highest paid player in NFL history. You are a Most Valuable Player award winner in both the regular season and the Super Bowl.

What could you possibly do now?

How about try your hand at some acting, in something other than commercials?

Well, that is exactly what Rodgers plans to do, as he will reportedly appear in this Thursday’s episode of “The Office” on NBC, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Rodgers has found himself to be pretty marketable over the past few years. From commercials to charity events, people go crazy  for everything number 12 gets himself involved in.

This is not the first time Rodgers has spent some time with actors from the popular prime time series, which is ending after this season. Rodgers appeared in a video with Brian Baumgartner, who plays Kevin on the show, as the two went back and forth about golf tips during an episode of Subway’s “Golf Therapy: Life, Lessons and the Pursuit of Par.”

As seen in the video, Rodgers possesses some decent on-screen presence, and there is no lack of comic genius from both celebrities.

Rodgers will play a judge for an a cappella singing competition during the episode, which will air Thursday at 8 p.m. CDT on both NBC26 in Green Bay and Today’s TMJ4 in Milwaukee – as well as all NBC affiliates across the country.

Catch the episode if you can’t get enough of Rodgers this offseason, and let us know what you think of his acting skills in the comments.

Hopefully you are not sick of the “Discount Double Check,” because if this episode goes well, Rodgers may continue to act, just as one of his peers has continued to do over the years.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Jordan Rodgers (6) scrambles during a rookie minicamp held at Everbank Field. Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

We all know about the chip Aaron Rodgers has been carrying around for years  - you know the one that started when he wasn’t considered by colleges out of high school; the one that grew when he ended up at a junior college and then continued to bear down on him when he was passed over 23 times before finally being selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2005 NFL Draft.

And we don’t have to tell you about his first few seasons riding the bench behind Brett Favre and when he finally got his chance to start – not everyone had a clear vision of who this guy was. Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy did.

So Aaron knows a bit about chips – something he hopes his brother, Jordan Rodgers, gets to understand, too.

You see, the younger Rodgers was signed as a free agent a few days ago by the Jacksonville Jaguars – a team where he thought he has his best shot. But he’s still going in with that chip. He thought that after starting 20 games at Vanderbilt this past season that he would at least have been invited to the NFL Combine. He wasn’t. He also thought he had a shot of being drafted last weekend. He wasn’t. Not even his brother’s team, the Packers, showed an interest.

So, now he’s a Jaguar and ready to take on the NFL.

Today he told Paul Imig in an interview that ”I’ve carried my chip with me my entire career. I’ve had to fight and claw for every position I’ve had. I sat on the bench as a junior in high school, I had to compete my senior year in high school to get the job, I competed again at Vanderbilt before having success. Just carrying that and factoring in the Combine; I deserved to be there.”

That’s something that really pleases Aaron – the richest man in the NFL right now who is pulling heavily for his brother to succeed.

“The ultimate cool thing for a big brother is to see your little brother pass you up,” the elder Rodgers told Imig in 2011. “For him to get a level where he’s playing better than me would be my dream. I’m a competitor, and it’s tough to say, but I think any big brother would love to see your little brother exceed your success. Pretty soon they won’t be talking about me when they’re talking about him.”

But the younger Rodgers has a ways to go and he knows it. That’s one of the reasons he signed with Jacksonville. He said his choices were between the Detroit Lions and the Jaguars, though he had several offers on the table. It was the Jaguars that offered the best opportunity for him to succeed – the team has two signal callers who were with the team last year – Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne. Rodgers joins fellow free agent Matt Scott  of Arizona on the roster competing for a job.

Jordan Rodgers of Vanderbilt throws a pass against National during the first half of the NFLPA Collegiate bowl at the Home Depot Center.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

While Aaron signed his $110 million contract on the second day of the draft, his thoughts were with his younger brother and his chances in making it in the league. At the time, Jordan had not been drafted and was a couple of days from signing with a team, but Aaron spoke of what his brother needed to do: ”Hopefully he gets in a situation where he can compete for a backup job because a lot of times it’s about the opportunity and the place you’re at as much as it is about your immediate ability to be successful.”

He should know. He’s been there and done that.

And if Jordan is like his brother in the chip department, he’s in a good spot.

It will be Aaron Rodgers’ leadership and arm, much more so than any other aspect of the Green Bay Packers’ game, that will determine just how far the team advances in 2013.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

By Eric Balkman
of Lombardiave.com

Despite all of the excitement around Green Bay over the past 72 hours, one thing is still blatantly clear with the Packers organization.

Aaron Rodgers is by far and away the driving force of Green Bay’s offense. And the running game – albeit much improved since the end of the 2012 season — is planted firmly as a tertiary offensive option (next to passing the ball and passing the ball, of course).

Just how talented is Eddie Lacy?
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

While Eddie Lacy is perhaps the most talented back the Packers have had since Ahman Green was in his prime, he does not come without his fair share of significant question marks.

Lacy, for instance, has had only one full collegiate season of carrying the full running workload under his belt — a task he will be asked to do in the pros as a rookie in Green Bay immediately.

And in the age-old NFL chicken-or-the-egg argument, was it Alabama’s offensive line that made Lacy into the beast he is perceived to be by his supporters? Or was it Lacy himself who possessed the talent to make the Crimson Tide’s offensive line look better than it actually was?

Considering the last two running backs Alabama churned out to the NFL, my bet is on the former. Mark Ingram has been a more-than-underwhelming first round draft pick, and Trent Richardson certainly has yet to achieve the expectations that being the third overall pick brings with it.

Also bear in mind that two of the road graders that cleared the path for Lacy in college — Chance Warmack and D.J. Fluker — were the 10th and 11th picks overall, respectively, in this year’s draft.

Perhaps the biggest red flag of Lacy’s pro prospects is his health. For a bruising, punishing running back to remain consistently nasty, he has to be able to avoid injuries. And Lacy is already behind the eight ball there.

Will Johnathan Franklin be the real surprise of the 2013 Draft?
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After skipping the NFL combine, Lacy’s pro day workout at Alabama was nothing if not disappointing. Lacy blamed his poor performance on a lingering hamstring injury, which is understandable to a point.

After all, if your hamstring was hurt, wouldn’t you still find ways to stay in shape? Swimming, working out in a pool, building upper body strength and minding your diet would all be good options. And judging by Lacy’s workout, he could not have taken all — if any — of those aspects to heart.

When you take into consideration Packers GM Ted Thompson trading up to snag the talented running back from UCLA, Johnathan Franklin, in the fourth round of this year’s draft, it’s clear even the man who selected Lacy is hedging his bet a little bit on the second-rounder.

It’s no coincidence that Aaron Rodgers became the highest paid player in NFL history shortly before the draft started. Thompson and the Packers know that if Green Bay is able to hoist the Lombardi Trophy again in 2014, it will be because of Rodgers’ arm much more so than Lacy’s legs.

Eddie Lacy
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

A day that began with a bang – the announcement that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had signed his much-anticipated contract extension – continued into the second round of the NFL Draft when the team traded back several picks, but still got their guy – Alabama running back Eddie Lacy.

But it wasn’t over as Packers Nation sat tight and watched General Manager Ted Thompson again use his trade skills, not once, but twice. Thompson traded the 88th selection to the Niners and then traded back into the fourth round with the Miami Dolphins as he stockpiled 10 fifth, sixth and seventh round selections that will all pay off on the final day of the draft tomorrow, Saturday.

After the dust had cleared, here is what Thompson had accumulated:

Packers picks – fourth round 109 and 122; fifth round 146, 159, 167; sixth round 173, 193; and seventh round 216, 224, 232.

Thompson clearly has his sights set on players who will help fill out his roster with young legs.

But before the big day begins tomorrow, we look back on what will be known as an eventful day in Packers history. Rodgers’ new contract will keep him in the Green and Gold through 2019 and will pay him $20 million per year. He gets $40 million upfront and becomes the NFL’s richest man – eclipsing the deal signed a couple of months ago by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco – he will get $20 million per year.

Here’s what Rodgers tweeted following the signing:

Big thanks to the Organization, our coaching staff, my teammates, and packer nation for the last 8 years!Excited about 7 more!#extension

— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) April 26, 2013

Even Jermichael Finley, the one who has criticized Rodgers from time to time over the past couple of years, got in on the act following Rodgers’ signing

Congratulations 2 my man @aaronrodgers12. Frankly, he deserves more, but thank you 4 saving some 4 the rest. Every dinner on u sir! Let’s Go

— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) April 26, 2013

Needless to say, it has been a great day for Rodgers … and not so bad for his team.

Aaron Rodgers provides comments following the announcement of his signing extension.
Packers.com photograph

The Packers stood pat with the 55th selection up until just before they were to make their selection in today’s second round of the NFL Draft. Instead, Thompson traded down with the San Francisco 49ers and selected Lacy with the 61st pick – a selection that would turn out to be the Packers’ lone pick of the day.

That’s because when it came time to select with the 88th overall pick, Thompson again traded with the Niners – moving out of the 88th slot and into the 93rd spot. That didn’t last long either as Thompson would finish the night with one more trade, this time back into the fourth round. In all, Thompson trade magic conjured up a total of 10 picks through rounds 4-7 Saturday.

With so many picks in his back pocket, it gives Thompson some flexibility to use them as trade bait or to sit tight and accumulate players … you might look for Thompson to trade up tomorrow to secure players he has in his sights.

So, what will it be? Will he use the fourth and fifth rounds to possibly target some wide receivers? Safeties? Linebackers? Maybe another defensive lineman?

That’s the beauty of so many picks in this draft with talent that has been described as balanced across all rounds.

Today’s eventful occurrences should spill over into tomorrow with an entertaining final day of the draft.

Aaron Rodgers and Ryan Braun are best friends and Rodgers would certainly love to have a lifetime contract much like was given to Braun by the Brewers.

When your best friend lands a new job or gets that long-awaited raise, of course you’re happy – and such was the case when the news came across the wires that Ryan Braun’s best bud, Aaron Rodgers, was going to be a Green Bay Packer for at least five more years.

Braun, who signed a $105 million contract a couple of years ago has been outdone by Rodgers’ new pact that will earn him $40 million up front and $22 million per year for the next five years – NFL seasons that will keep Rodgers in Green and Gold through his prime.

“I knew about this for a little while,” Braun told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today.

“It’s amazing; obviously well deserved. I’m extremely happy for him. For both of us, we’re excited to get the opportunity to spend hopefully our entire careers in Wisconsin.

“I think he could have got quite a bit more. That speaks volumes about where his priorities are at and wanting to make sure they’re able to continue to put a great team around him. I’m happy for him.

Aaron Rodgers is now the highest-paid player in the NFL as of this afternoon.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The much-anticipated contract extension signing of Aaron Rodgers became reality this afternoon when the Green Bay Packers announced via a press release issued at 3:45 p.m. that they had come to an agreement with their franchise quarterback.

Rodgers is reported to have signed a five-year, $110 million deal that will keep him in Green and Gold through the prime of his career. He will be 36 when this deal expires – it also provides him a contract that is the most paid to an NFL player. The $22 million per year eclipses the deal that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco signed a couple of months ago – that deal averaged out to just more than $20 million per year.

Rodgers was expected to give a press release at 4:30 this afternoon.

The signing on the afternoon of the second day of the NFL Draft will certainly become the story of the day, but the timing of the signing also underscores the Packers Way – playing down a signing that will make their quarterback the richest man in the NFL on the same day that Packers fans, coaches and administrators are focused on the newest additions to the team from the college ranks.

No contract numbers have yet been released, nor was there a number of years included in the announcement from the Packers PR department.

Here’s what Adam Schefter of ESPN tweeted a few minutes ago:

RT @adamschefter: #Packers QB Aaron Rodgers now will become the new highest paid player in NFL history.

— PackersNews.com (@PGPackersNews) April 26, 2013

The press release included statistics about the Packers quarterback and the obligatory comments from Thompson and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.

The following is the Packers official press release on the signing:

PACKERS SIGN QB RODGERS TO CONTRACT EXTENSION

The Green Bay Packers have signed QB Aaron Rodgers to a contract extension. The signing was announced Friday by Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations.

Rodgers, who was drafted by the Packers in the first round (No. 24 overall) in 2005, ranks No. 1 in NFL history (min. 1,500 attempts) with a career passer rating of 104.9. He also ranks No. 1 in league history in career INT percentage (1.73) and TD/INT ratio (3.72) and No. 2 in career completion percentage (65.7). For his career, Rodgers has completed 1,752 of 2,665 passes for 21,661 yards and 171 TDs with 46 INTs.

“Aaron is a true professional and a special player,” Thompson said. “He works hard, is humble, and is focused on his actions, on and off the field. He is an excellent teammate and pushes himself and others to be the very best. We are happy to reach an agreement to extend his career with the Packers.”

Rodgers posted 21,332 passing yards from 2008-12, the most in NFL history by a quarterback in his first five seasons as a starter. In 78 career regular-season starts, he has recorded 28 games with 300-plus passing yards, 43 without an interception and 46 with a 100-plus passer rating. Rodgers was selected to the Pro Bowl three of the past four seasons (2009, 2011-12) and was named the starting quarterback for the NFC squad each of the past two seasons.

“An exciting day for our football program,” Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. “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.”

Rodgers holds four of the top five single-season team marks for passer rating (2009-12), two of the top three for passing TDs (2011-12), three of the top four for completion percentage (2010-12) and two of the top three for passing yards (2009, 2011).

Will making Aaron Rodgers the highest paid player in all of football hamstring the Packers in their ability to sign other players? Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

By Luke Hanish

of Lombardiave.com

Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk was recently quoted as saying Aaron Rodgers will be getting “a billion dollars” on his next deal.

This got me thinking … will we eventually see a billion dollar deal? I know, I know, right now this thought seems a little far-fetched but after looking back a mere five years, look how some of these big name contracts have been trending. Last year it was Drew Brees and Peyton Manning. This year (eventually) it will be Rodgers.

Did Drew Brees’ greed help lead to the Saints’ downfall in 2012? Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The dollar amounts are staggering, pushing upwards of $23 to $25 million per year. Every year it seems we have had a coveted title of “highest paid player in league history.”

I do want to get back to the Brees contract last year, however.

At the time, the case was made by USA Today Sports (among others) that Brees’s new deal would hurt the team in the long run. Somehow saying he was right after one mere season seems like quite an understatement as even with a perennial Pro Bowl quarterback, the Saints still only managed to go 7-9. The biggest impact of this Brees deal was the inability to re-sign more players at vital positions.

Letting Carl Nicks walk I believe was the biggest blow to the team. We’ll never know if Brees’ greed really led to the downfall of the Saints 2012 season, but I think the case can certainly be made.

Anyway, what I’m getting at is these types of contracts aren’t always what’s best for a team in the long run and by no means am I suggesting the Packers shouldn’t give Rodgers what he deserves.

All I’m saying (speaking on behalf of the Packers Nation, mind you), is I hope Ted Thompson plays his cards right with this one.

So who will be the next “highest paid player in league history,” (after Rodgers’ new deal) – in any league, for that matter?

Andrew Luck? Mike Trout? Stephen Strasburg? RG3?

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) lies on the turf after getting sacked by the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at CenturyLink Field last season. How long can this go on? Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Aaron Rodgers hit the deck by way of a sack 51 times. In his five seasons as the Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback, he’s been sacked a head-shaking 215 times.

Seriously? Two-hundred-fifteen sacks in just five seasons. That’s a lot of time for Rodgers’ butt to get acquainted with the various turfs around the NFL. What in the name of Forrest Gregg is going on here?

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is pressured by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Now the club is about to make Rodgers the highest-paid player in NFL history, with a salary rumored to be as much as $25 million annually.

What I’m getting to here is that, barring teaching Rodgers to throw a football from his keister, something has got to give. You can’t build an NFL team essentially around one cog and then let him get knocked on his derriere by 300-pound gorillas 50 times a season.

You just can’t.

Marshall Newhouse was the man charged with protecting Rodgers’ blind side for part of 2011 and all of 2012, and he didn’t grade out anywhere near the top of the league’s left tackles in the latter season. In fact, just this week an unnamed NFC scout was quoted as saying that Newhouse is not an “ideal” left tackle in the NFL.

“You have to do things in your protection scheme to give him help at times,” the scout said. “Not every snap. You’re not going to want to leave him alone every snap. You really haven’t had anybody to push him. If you had somebody outside, he could be a swing guy.”

Offensive line coach James Campen gets into the face of Marshall Newhouse during the Packers season opener against the San Francisco 49ers last season. Newhouse’s inconsistency at the left tackle position was a problem for the Packers last year. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

In other words, Newhouse is best served to remain a backup, which is what he was until injuries decimated the offensive line (more on that later).

So does that mean the Packers will take a left tackle with their No. 26 pick in the NFL draft in two weeks?

Not necessarily.

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal writer Tyler Dunne believes Bryan Bulaga could easily slide from right tackle to left, with undrafted upstart Don Barclay taking over the right side, at least until we find out whether former first-round draft pick Derek Sherrod’s shattered left leg has been properly put back together again.

However, Dunne also said he thinks it would be a smart move to draft Alabama tack D.J. Fluker with the No. 26 if he’s available, just in case Barclay takes a step back this season. The Packers could also look at lesser-known tackles like Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Terron Armstead, Syracuse’s Justin Pugh, Florida State’s Menelik Watson or Tennessee’s Dallas Thomas in rounds one or two.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, there’s an intriguing article over at ESPN.com, saying that the value of left tackles is dwindling thanks to the changing nature of how the NFL game is played. The reasoning? With the read-option and spread offenses taking over the NFL, quarterbacks are spending less time in the pocket because they are either on the run or getting the ball out quickly with short, precise passing attacks.

And consider this startling fact, related in the ESPN story:

Of the 12 left tackles drafted in the top 10 since 2004 – totaling contracts worth more than $500 million – only three have a postseason victory, and not one has an NFL title to his credit.

So just how important is left tackle?

Protecting Aaron Rodgers becomes more important this season.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Well, for Colin Kaepernick or Russell Wilson, perhaps that left tackle position, which traditionally has been an anchor of the offense as a whole, isn’t as important as one might think. But for Rodgers, whose style of play is to hold the ball until the last possible second, hoping a big play will develop downfield, a top-notch left tackle is less a luxury and more a necessity.

It also must be addressed that conventional wisdom is that the only way to get a sure-fire left tackle via the draft is to have a Top 10 pick. If the ESPN article is correct, however, even that doesn’t ensure success. But we do know there won’t be any left-tackle locks at No. 26. That’s what they call a Catch 22 – you gotta have a good left tackle to protect your $25 million man, but at the back end of the first round, there are no guarantees.

Whether it’s a fully-healed Sherrod (which doesn’t look terribly promising, to hear coach Mike McCarthy discuss it), a successful Bulaga switch or an inspired draft pick, GM Ted Thompson and his brain trust need to come up with an answer.  Because soon there will be an even greater need to invest in keeping Rodgers upright.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is sacked by New York Giants middle linebacker Chase Blackburn last season. Rodgers puts his body on the line each time he earns his paycheck.
Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

The latest rumors circulating around the National Football League gossip cliques is that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers could possibly land a contract in the $25 million per year range – and many feel that at that price he is being vastly overpaid.

No question, it’s a lot of money. It’s more money than any NFL players has ever made in a 12-month calendar year for working 8 months out of that year. Depending on how many more years Rodgers plays the game, he could make well more than $100 million.

But the question about his being overpaid is moot at this point. It’s what the market will bear and it’s what he should get. For an athlete, that’s a lot of dough.

But when you compare that salary to some of the world’s richest people – entertainers: musicians and actors – that’s a drop in the bucket … and they don’t have 350-pound monster men trying to rip their heads off.

Consider Robert Pattinson – you know that “Twilight” guy whose made millions for playing a vampire – according to 2010 numbers, he made $27.5 million. And his sweetheart Kristen Stewart? That ditzy brunette who can’t seem to string consecutive sentences together in coherent fashion – yeah, she makes more than her on-screen, off-screen lover Pattinson – $28.5 million.

But Let’s move on – from least to most – and compare Rodgers’ proposed measly $25 million to those who make more and do less – and remember, these figures are from at least two years ago:

• Jennifer Anniston – $28 million

• Leonardo DiCaprio – $28 million

• Sarah Jessica Parker – $30 million

• Robert Downey Jr. $31.5 million

• Adam Sandler – $50 million

• Sandra Bulluck $50 million

• Lady Gaga $62 million

• Beyonce $87 million

• Johnny Depp $100 million

• Oprah Winfrey – $315 million

• Donald Trump – $2.7 billion – yes, that’s BILLION

So when you consider the dollars that these folks are pulling in for smiling, singing or just acting like someone else (most of the time really badly, I might add) looking at Aaron Rodgers’ paltry $25 million slides more easily into focus.

At least he’s running, working and putting himself in physical danger every time he goes out and earns his check – in other words, he does more to EARN the dollars than these other folks.

So, do I think Rodgers is overpaid. Not on your life.

C’mon, Ted. Write the check and pay the man.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during warmups prior to the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 24-10. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported today that the Green Bay Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers are apart in negotiations by about $2 million per year.

Allegedly, the Packers have offered up about $21 million per, which would indicate Rodgers is asking for about $23 million annually.

That’s a lot of Jack.

But you know what? The Packers and Ted Thompson need to get it done. Why? Because if Joe Flacco (I must constantly fight the urge to say “Flaccid”, thanks mostly to his lame QB Rating in 2012) is worth $20.1 million per season, then Rodgers is worth 10 times that.

Honestly, when you compare the two quarterbacks and look at Flacco’s salary, it would shock me if this difference in price between the Packers and Rodgers is more about how and when the money will be paid rather than how much.

So what do we have to do in order to get this contract signed and in the books? Make him feel truly appreciated, and make sure he remembers how appreciated he is all season long.

Here are some creative suggestions:

• Convince Ryan Adams to sign with Suspended Sunrise, Rodgers’ record label.
• Pay him in bonuses: An extra $50,000 for every time the offensive line lets him get sacked. (Based on last season, he’d end up making well over $25 million a year at that rate.)
• Pay him $25,000 every time he slides or ducks out of bounds to avoid getting creamed by an oncoming linebacker or strong safety (Packers fans’ nerves and heart rates would also appreciate this bonus structure).
• Offer him another $50,000 bonus for every time the defense gives up 30 points or more. Let’s face it, that defense the Packers put on the field last year made Rodgers’ job a heck of a lot harder than it needed to be. Without some defensive line and linebacking help, it ain’t gonna get much better.
• Pay him a $10,000 bonus for every time in this forthcoming season that Greg Jennings calls him collect from Minnesota, crying, and asking to “come back home.”
• Give him $25,000 for every perfect pass Jermichael Finely drops (That would add up fast).
• Tack on an additional $10,000 for each time Finley then blames Rodgers for the drop in the media ($5,000 added bonus if it’s done via his or a family member’s Twitter feed).
• Pay him for photobombs. Come on, he’d jump all over that offer.
• Reverse psychology: Brett Favre threw for a vomit-inducing 29 interceptions for the Packers in 2005. Pay Rodgers $5,000 for every interception under that total he ends up being each season (For example, last season Rodgers threw 8 picks, which would have netted him an extra $105,000 in bonus pay - Sweet).
• Give him an added $1,000 for each time a teammate refers to him as “sensitive” during an interview (Alternately, you could pay him for each time he tells a reporter that he feels overlooked or under-appreciated).

And there are plenty of other possibilities that could sweeten this deal. If you consider all those factors, it’s really a no-brainer: Just pay him the money.

Do you have any other creative ideas for getting Rodgers’ contract done?

Post them in our comments section by clicking below.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

It’s April Fool’s Day and the only jokes being played on fans across the National Football League don’t involve fans of the Green Bay Packers.

That’s because those jokes involve the guys who play the most important position on the team – quarterback. There’s no joke with the Packers – they have the best player in the league, bar none, and the team’s going to reward him for it – very soon.

Tony Romo
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Have you seen what’s going on around the league lately? You’ve got quarterbacks changing teams faster than an Aaron Rodgers laser to Randall Cobb; you’ve got teams signing quarterbacks for way more than they’re worth (Tony Romo) – and former quarterbacks calling them on it (Donovan McNabb); and you’ve got injured quarterbacks healing and seeking solace from the President of the United States (RGIII).

We’ve seen former Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn hightailing it out of Seattle after sitting on the bench for a season and landing in Oakland; you’ve got a soon-to-be former Raiders quarterback (Carson Palmer) with his bags packed and waiting to go to Arizona; you’ve got former Arizona Cardinals and former Philadelphia Eagles QB Kevin Kolb headed to Buffalo to fight it out for a job with Tarvaris Jackson (remember him?); and of course we’ve got the stories about Tony Romo signing a long-term extension with the Cowboys for millions too much, Donovan McNabb complaining about it, and all that topped by Robert Griffin III being invited to the White House.

Matt Flynn
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

So much drama – very little impact when it comes to winning games on the gridiron.

Compare that with what’s going on in Green Bay. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has done it right once again. He is about to become the richest man in the National Football League and you haven’t heard one word from him about it. Those close to the situation are saying that the deal could be announced literally at any moment with the latest information indicating the sides were only $2 million apart in their negotiations. That’s minimal when you consider the millions upon millions of dollars that will make up those final numbers.

Brett Favre

Yes, we’re spoiled when it comes to quarterbacks – at least we have been for the past two decades. With Brett Favre hanging on for 16 years as a Packers quarterback and Rodgers following up those years of longevity with his own run the past 5-plus years, there are some young Packers fans who know nothing but success from that position. Of course, they don’t remember the Jerry Tagges, the Randy Whites, the Anthony Dilwegs, the John Hadls and the Carlos Browns.

Count you blessings, Packers fans, because when Rodgers signs that multi-year extension we will continue on for many more years (God forbidding any injuries) with a quarterback who has Hall of Fame written all over him.

And when you watch all these other teams struggle with finding a franchise quarterback, understand it’s clearly not an easy thing to do.

Just feel good about not having to worry about having a Tarvaris Jackson as your quarterback.

You’ve got it pretty lucky these days, folks …

Aaron Rodgers

The Green Bay Packers have signed Aaron Rodgers to a long-term contract and the team has the easiest schedule in the NFL in 2013 - April Fools!

While Rodgers is very, very close to signing – in fact, news today indicates the Packers and Rodgers were just $2 million apart in negotiations – it hasn’t happened yet.

And the Packers actually have the sixth toughest schedule in the league next year.

According to Ian Rappaport of nfl.com, the Packers are offering just a bit more than $21 million, while Rodgers’ camp is in the $23 million range. It’s not clear how long the deal will be struck for, but it appears, according to new details that the biggest hurdle is figuring out how much to pay Rodgers over the course of the first two years of the contract. According to Rodgers’ current deal, he is scheduled to make $19.75 million in 2013 and 2014. That’s grossly underpaid when comparing him to the other top 5 quarterbacks in the league.

The Packers, we’re sure, want to wrap this up as soon as possible so they can move on to getting linebacker Clay Matthews inked to a new deal. B.J. Raji could also be in the Packers targets for a new deal. According to Rappaport, once all three are signed, they could account for one-quarter of $1 billion … We wonder what Vince Lombardi would think of that.

Packers schedule

Though we might wish that the Green Bay Packers had the schedule of the Denver Broncos – they don’t.

The Broncos? The same powerhouse team that was one Joe Flacco bomb away from advancing to the AFC Championship game has the easiest schedule in the entire NFL? Say what?

The Broncos play teams next year with a combined win percentage of .430.

The team with the toughest schedule?

The Carolina Panthers.

And right behind them?

The Detroit Lions.

That’s right the 4-12 Detroit Lions play teams with a win percentage of .539.

As for the Packers, they’re not quite as bad, but they’re right up there. Green Bay has the sixth toughest schedule in 2013 facing teams with a win percentage of .533. In addition to playing the Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears twice as division rivals, the Packers will also play teams from the NFC East (as will the other division teams) – Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys.

The NFL schedule is set to be released April 16. Stay tuned.

Aaron Rodgers is the difference in the NFC North.
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Free Agency period is meeting the girl for the first time and becoming twitterpated; the pre- and post-Draft period are the dating days; and the first four games of the season are the marriage and honeymoon.

Now that free agency has brought out all the big spenders, including the Detroit Lions, the Minnesota Vikings and even to an extent, the Chicago Bears, it’s time to step back and ask the question that everyone wants to know: Have these three teams done enough to begin the process of catching up to the Green Bay Packers – the winner of the NFC North for the past two years straight.

Not only have the Packers won that division, they have dominated the division. With a 15-1 record these past two seasons – their only in-division loss being that to the Minnesota Vikings in the final game of the 2012 regular season – the Packers have risen significantly over their competition.

But considering what the other teams have done in free agency – Detroit bringing in Reggie Bush, the Vikings adding Greg Jennings and the Bears bringing in Martellus Bennett, among others – is the talent difference between all four teams gotten a bit smaller?

Possibly.

There are so many factors that play into the divisional rivalries. When teams match up in the schedule, injuries, individual matchups on the field, and most importantly, coaching.

So many times we’ve seen coaches get out-coached; so many times we’ve seen injuries deplete a team’s talent level; so many times we’ve seen teams that meet in December being polar opposites of the two teams that met in September because of some of the reasons listed above.

But because this league has become such a pass-happy entity, the bottom line seems to so often come down to one person: the quarterback.

And because of that, as long as the Packers have that guy by the name of Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have got to have the edge in the division. You can have all of the Reggie Bushes, all the Adrian Petersons and even all of the Matt Fortes … the impact on the game by that one quarterback has been so great that he has tipped the balance of power in the division to the Packers and will continue to do so.

So, in essence, all three of those teams not named the Packers have done a good job of improving their rosters through free agency and all of the teams, Packers included, will continue to improve their talent base through the draft. The division has tightened and is still one of the best in either conference.

But because the Packers don’t have Jay Cutler, Matthew Stafford and even more importantly – because they don’t have Christian Ponder – the Packers hold the edge in the division and will do so until the other three teams figure out a way to stop Rodgers.

That might be a while.

Here are the free agency signings by each of the teams in the NFC North Division:

Chicago Bears

• signed TE Martellus Bennett to a four-year contract
• signed OT Jermon Bushrod to a five-year contract
• re-signed DT Nate Collins to a one-year contract
• re-signed CB Zackary Bowman to a one-year contract

Detroit Lions

• re-signed LB DeAndre Levy to a three-year contract
• re-signed WR Kassim Osgood to a one-year contract
• re-signed FS Amari Spievey to a one-year contract
• re-signed CB Chris Houston
• signed DT Jason Jones
• signed RB Reggie Bush to a four-year contract
• re-signed LS Don Muhlbach to a one-year contract
• re-signed FS Louis Delmas to a two-year, $9.465 million contract
• re-signed G/C Dylan Gandy

Minnesotta Vikings

• re-signed WR Jerome Simpson to one-year contract
• re-signed RT Phil Loadholt to a multi-year contract
•  re-signed C/G Joe Berger to a one-year contract
• re-signed S Jamarca Sanford
• re-signed FB Jerome Felton to a three-year, $7.5 million contract
• re-signed LB Erin Henderson to a two-year contract
• signed WR Greg Jennings to a five-year contract

Green Bay Packers

• re-signed LB Robert Francois
• re-signed ILB Brad Jones

Aaron Rodgers will be throwing passes as a much richer player next season.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The talk these past few days has been about not if Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will receive his new mega-millions contract, but when.

Well, when Packers President Mark Murphy signaled earlier this week that the deal was in the process and that it was a “priority,” everyone expected that it would be soon – whatever that meant.

This morning, that time frame has been nailed down a bit … it look like, at least according to today’s published reports … that Rodgers could be the richest man in the NFL within the next month, maybe sooner.

According to profootballtalk.com, the Packers and Rodgers’ agent are inching toward locking Rodgers up for at least the next 8-10 years at as much as $23 million annually. Wow! that’s a 23 with a lot of zeroes behind it.

Rodgers came out last month and said he would like to play at least another eight seasons for the Packers, which would put him in line for as many years as Brett Favre played with the franchise.

If that does indeed become reality, the Packers will have gone a stretch of 28 continuous years with just two quarterbacks. That would have to be some kind of record.

But before we can talk about that, the Packers and Rodgers’ representatives will have to get the specifics nailed down. Though the Packers have $18 million in the pot this year, they will have to figure out how to best structure the deal so it doesn’t hamstring the team in signing other players down the line.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

It didn’t come as a surprise to anyone when Green Bay Packers President Mark Murphy said that finishing Aaron Rodgers contract extension was a priority for the team. The news broke a few weeks ago that the Packers were placing Rodgers’ contract at the forefront of their efforts and that the Packers focus on signing their own was important.

When the Baltimore Ravens re-signed their Super Bowl winning and MVP quarterback Joe Flacco for $120 million, the focus on re-signing Rodgers heightened.

Rodgers was re-signed by the Packers in 2008 and was expected to make about $9 million per year, a far cry from Flacco’s $20 million. The Packers, who haven’t signed a single free agent this offseason, have about $18 million under the salary cap, some of which will no doubt be applied to Rodgers’ new deal, but the Packers also have to pay for draft picks from the pot of money. In addition, the Packers are facing the need to renew the contract of Clay Matthews and may also include defensive lineman B.J. Raji among those who they want to target for new deals.

While the contracts of Matthews and Raji are important, the Packers might hold off for some time in updating those deals in order to make sure that they take care of Rodgers first.

Aaron Rodgers has won a Super Bowl, Super Bowl MVP Award, and League MVP Award since he signed his last contract in 2008.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The Green Bay Packers, according to reports today, are ready to offer Aaron Rodgers the bank-breaking contract extension he deserves – the one that should smash the benchmark recently set by Joe Flacco.

Joe Flacco is the National Football League’s highest paid player? C’mon, we like you, Joe, but you are far from the best player in the league. It’s kind of an embarrassment, wouldn’t you say, that Flacco is making more than double that of Rodgers’ piddling $9 million? It’s a travesty.

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have dominated the NFC North, including the Chicago Bears the past two seasons, posting a 15-1 divisional record over that time span.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Maybe Packers officials understand that they need to get something done and they need to do it soon. Clearly, Rodgers is the best player in the league and he is due. His contract was extended in 2008 when he signed a six-year, $65 million contract with $20 million guaranteed. For the time, that was a great deal, one that made everyone happy.

But five years have gone by and the bar has been raised – a lot. Since 2008, Rodgers has won a Super Bowl, a Super Bowl MVP Award and a league MVP Award. The Packers have won two straight NFC North Division championships, posting a 15-1 record among division rivals over that stretch.

Rodgers win and now it’s time for the team to reward him for his efforts.

Mike Florio of profootballtalk.com wrote today that a league source has said that Rodgers wait for an extension will soon be over.

“It is his time,” the source told Florio.

But Rodgers isn’t the only player who will soon be joining the $100 million club. League officials say that Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger, and Tony Romo will also soon join the club. League financial experts also see the gold standard rise incrementally with each new contract. With Flacco’s contracting ringing in at about $21 million, it’s expected that whomever signs next will top that  total with others following with deals in the same range, if not more.

Aaron Rodgers is in command of the Packers and his future.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Here is a breakdown of recent contract extensions for quarterbacks beginning with the deal Flacco just signed and extending back to 2004, courtesy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

–MARCH 2013: Baltimore’s Joe Flacco signed a six-years, $120.6 million contract with $52 million guaranteed.

–FEB. 2013: New England’s Tom Brady signed a five-year, $60 million contact that is fully guaranteed.

—JULY 2012: New Orleans’ Drew Brees signed a five-years, $100 million contact with $40 million guaranteed.

–MARCH 2011: Denver’s Peyton Manning signed a five-year, $96 million contract with between $18 million to $60 million guaranteed.

–OCT. 2011: Oakland’s Carson Palmer signed a four-year, $43 million contract with $7.5 million guaranteed.

—AUG. 2009: New York’s Eli Manning signed a six-year, $106.9 million contract with the Giants. A total of $35 million was guaranteed.

–AUG. 2009: San Diego’s Philip Rivers signed seven-year, $98.25 million contract with $38.15 million guaranteed.

–APRIL 2009: Detroit’s Matthew Stafford signed a six-year, $72 million contact with $41.5 million guaranteed.

–OCT. 2008: Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers signed a six-year, $65 million contract with $20 million guaranteed.

–MAY 2008: Atlanta’s Matt Ryan signed a six-year, $72 million contract with $34.75 million guaranteed.

–OCT. 2007: Dallas’ Tony Romo signed a six-year, $67.4 million contract, with $30 million guaranteed.

—DEC. 2004: Atlanta’s Michael Vick signed a 10-year, $130 million contract with $37 million guaranteed.