GREEN BAY – If the Green Bay Packers thought signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a record-setting contract extension was simply going to take writing him a check — albeit one that could cover the yearly budget for the city of Brookfield — their hopes were crushed March 15.

That's the day free agent Kirk Cousins signed a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings, completely changing the landscape for franchise quarterback contracts.

Throughout the NFL, it’s well-known the Packers have a fundamental way of structuring contracts. Their veteran deals traditionally include a signing bonus and no other guaranteed money in the contract.

When Rodgers signed a five-year, $110 million contract extension in April 2013, the Packers handed over a signing bonus of $35 million and guaranteed roster bonuses of $9.5 million in 2014 and ’15, raising the total amount of guaranteed money to $54 million.

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Tom silverstein wrote:

The Packers can make him play this year and Franchise him the next 2 years and by that time have his replacement ready. I know people think hes god but he has not been the healthiest the past few years and he's not getting younger. If one of the top 4 qbs fall to us at 14 we grab them. Like we did with Farve. I see it playing out already Rodgers complaining hes not being asked about making moves and wants his own coaches. He throws his coaches and players under the bus it's never his fault, and you can tell on certain games he doesn't care much has no emotions. I would take Baker Mayfeild and start a fire under Rodgers ass.

Originally Posted by: dhazer 

The Packers can make him play this year and Franchise him the next 2 years and by that time have his replacement ready. I know people think hes god but he has not been the healthiest the past few years and he's not getting younger. If one of the top 4 qbs fall to us at 14 we grab them. Like we did with Farve. I see it playing out already Rodgers complaining hes not being asked about making moves and wants his own coaches. He throws his coaches and players under the bus it's never his fault, and you can tell on certain games he doesn't care much has no emotions. I would take Baker Mayfeild and start a fire under Rodgers ass.

Originally Posted by: dhazer 

I agree with this approach.
I think it's foolish to extend Rodgers with a mega deal at this time when we have so many other holes to fill.

Originally Posted by: yooperfan 

Change his contract to include a huge bonus for winning the SB.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 

I say give him something like a 10 year $180 million guaranteed contract. It's cap friendly, its long-term and even when he retires he'll be cashing in.

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 

The Packers can make him play this year and Franchise him the next 2 years and by that time have his replacement ready. I know people think hes god but he has not been the healthiest the past few years and he's not getting younger. If one of the top 4 qbs fall to us at 14 we grab them. Like we did with Farve. I see it playing out already Rodgers complaining hes not being asked about making moves and wants his own coaches. He throws his coaches and players under the bus it's never his fault, and you can tell on certain games he doesn't care much has no emotions. I would take Baker Mayfeild and start a fire under Rodgers ass.

Originally Posted by: dhazer 

Change his contract to include a huge bonus for winning the SB.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann