Aaron Rodgers was thinking more like Tom Brady than like Robin Hood when he took his unprecedented $35 million pay cut.
Rodgers is hoping that the Jets will redistribute that money to other NFL stars who become available over the next few months and express an interest in chasing a Super Bowl championship with him.
Taking less money than the quarterback market says you are worth is a forward-thinking model Brady adopted with the Patriots and Buccaneers so that he had a better supporting cast.
“This year, compared to like 2005, the amount of transactions that happen now with guys getting cut and the amount of trades — way more than before. Big names move at the trade deadline now,” Rodgers told NBCSports.com’s “Football Morning in America.”
“I wanted to make sure that if somebody valuable came available that we’d be able to get him. I’m very happy with the contract. I feel great about it.”
Rodgers reduced the money that he is owed in 2023 and 2024 from $110 million — as per the terms of his contract signed with the Packers — to a two-year, $75 million contract.
He already is the highest-paid player in NFL history with $305.6 million in on-field earnings, according to Spotrac.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson, edge rusher Bradley Chubb, wide receiver Chase Claypool and linebacker Roquan Smith are some of the big names who were moved before last year’s trade deadline.
The Jets will play seven games before the Oct. 31 deadline.
“What it comes down to,” Rodgers told reporter Peter King, “it was … it was the right thing that made me feel best.
“I thought it was important they knew how committed I was. And in my conversations with Joe [Douglas], he has made it very clear the vision for the football team.”
RB Dalvin Cook left the Jets facility without a contract Sunday night, after theatrics that included him watching practice from the sideline as fans chanted for him to sign.
Head coach Robert Saleh called Cook “a very good young man” but said he did not ask whether Cook’s next step was to visit any other teams (including the Patriots), which could be a sign of lukewarm interest.
“He has a plan, he knows what he wants and it was a good discussion,” Saleh said. “For me, it’s do whatever you need to do to make the best decision for you and your family. So, I’m not pushing, not pressing. It’s an important decision for him and a decision I know he is taking very seriously.”
Second-team LT Mekhi Becton has had “back-to-back really good practices” after missing some earlier time with knee swelling, Saleh said.
He will be on a limited snap count Thursday against the Browns.
“Rather than rush to be a first-teamer, let’s rush to get through a game and have that ability to get through a game or a practice or a week,” Saleh said. “There’s no denying his talent. Right now it’s just about building confidence, building strength, building endurance. Once all that comes, then we’ll take that next step of, ‘Let’s see how he can perform with the ones.’ ”
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