• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, January 21, 2026

How Aaron Rodgers’ $47M Indecision Affects Packers’ Plans

  • The team is $37.4 million over the NFL’s salary cap thanks in part to the quarterback’s $46.7 million cap hit.
  • Several of his teammates — including All-Pro receiver Davante Adams — are in a holding pattern with next contracts.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

While Aaron Rodgers ponders his future, several of his Packers teammates — including All-Pro receiver Davante Adams — are stuck in a holding pattern.

Last summer, Rodgers restructured his contract with a potential out after this season, but on Wednesday, GM Brian Gutekunst denied he’d made any promise to trade him this offseason.

But if Rodgers doesn’t retire and Green Bay doesn’t move him, he’ll carry a massive $46.7 million cap hit — and the team is already $37.4 million over

  • This week, the Packers opened $14M in cap space by restructuring the contracts of Kenny Clark ($11M) and Aaron Jones ($3M).
  • Green Bay could also restructure or release All-Pro linebacker Za’Darius Smith, who missed much of the season following back surgery and has a cap hit of $27.7M (2nd on team behind Rodgers).
  • The Packers’ desire to sign UFA Adams to a long-term contract is hamstrung by the cap situation; he can be franchise tagged by March 8 (one year, $20M)

Adams, who is seeking $30 million per season, is the Packers’ most important playmaker and forms one of the league’s most dangerous duos. The five-time Pro Bowler scored 11 TDs and set career highs in receptions (123) and yards (1,553) in 2021.

Several teams have reportedly made offers for Rodgers, per ESPN’s Dianna Russini, who says the reigning NFL MVP will give them an answer “soon.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bills Owner Defends McDermott Firing, Raises More Questions

The owner decided to fire the coach after last weekend’s playoff loss.
Billionaire Mark Cuban, an Indiana alum and NIL donor, with quarterback Fernando Mendoza after the Hoosiers won their first CFP national championship.

Mark Cuban Likes the College Sports Salary Cap: ‘It Protects Us’

In an FOS interview, Cuban likened the rules to the NBA cap.
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'quan McMillian reaches in on Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks who has the ball and whose knee is on the ground during overtime at Empower FIeld at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 17, 2026.
opinion

NFL Should Make Refs Full-Time Employees

The league’s CBA with the NFL Referees Association expires in May.

Featured Today

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.

Savannah Bananas First Report Reveals Growth, $100K Player Pay

The highly popular barnstorming team released its first annual update.
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott during the second quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High
January 19, 2026

Bills’ Sean McDermott Firing Marks Staggering 10 NFL Coaches Out

Black Monday has come two weeks late for the Bills.
Jimmy Butler
January 20, 2026

‘Fading Dynasty’ Warriors at Crossroads After Butler Tears ACL

Butler is out for the season and owed $57 million next year.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in an AFC Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium.
January 18, 2026

NFL Conference Championships Have 3 Unproven QBs

The six highest-paid postseason quarterbacks have been eliminated.
January 17, 2026

Giants Get Their Coach: Land John Harbaugh With 5-Year, $100M Deal

The struggling team lands the most-coveted figure on the coaching market.
Sep 5, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Wrigley Field.
January 16, 2026

The Gap Between the Dodgers and Rest of Baseball Keeps Growing

Kyle Tucker’s four-year, $240 million deal has potentially major labor implications.
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) gestures as he is carted off the field after an injury during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field.
January 15, 2026

‘No Firmly Established Evidence’ for Viral 49ers Injury Theory

The 49ers have been practicing next to the substation for decades.