Green and Bold: Give Aaron Rodgers Whatever He Needs
For better or worse, Rodgers is the Packers' best chance at winning another Lombardi Trophy, and they're running out of time.
By mnbruton
Aaron Rodgers turned 34 years old on December 2, and for the first time since 2009, he'll be sitting on his couch come January while his team misses the playoffs.
Obviously, Super Bowl-caliber teams are the sum of their parts, and no one player can do it all. Unfortunately, that became abundantly clear during the seven weeks that Rodgers sat out with a broken collarbone in 2017.
For better or worse, Rodgers is the Packers' best chance at winning another Lombardi Trophy, and they're running out of time.
General Manager Ted Thompson's draft-and-develop strategy has inarguably helped the Packers sustain long-term success. Very few teams make the postseason for eight consecutive seasons.
But at least as far as Rodgers is concerned—and, to be frank, Thompson too—there is no such thing as "long-term" success. Their tenures will likely end at or around the same time, and that time is fast approaching.
It's extremely unlikely that the Packers will land a third consecutive future Pro Football Hall of Famer at quarterback after Rodgers, and, as a result, it's Super Bowl or bust for the next three, five, however many years Rodgers has left.
Let's assume all of those years will be spent in Green Bay. How can the Packers give this poor guy some help and cross the threshold into Super Bowl contender?
1. Make him the highest-paid player in football
There's the old joke that resurfaces every year: when a crucial player (Aaron Rodgers, J.J. Watt, etc.) gets injured and his team tanks, that player should be named MVP because he's obviously his team's most valuable player.
But with the Packers, it's no laughing matter. They need to lock Rodgers down for the rest of his career.
Rodgers will in all likelihood become the NFL's first $200 million player. He set records with his last contract in 2013; both his $22 million per year average salary and $62.5 million guaranteed were both NFL records.
But since that time, the salary cap has risen, and other players have supplanted Rodgers' earnings. Most notably, Detroit's Matthew Stafford now earns an average of $27 million per year and is the new highest-paid player in NFL history.
Not for long. The Packers can pay Rodgers somewhere in the neighborhood of $30 million a year without depleting their cap. And if they want to win another Lombardi Trophy in the near future, they have to.
2. Give him a better defense
The best defense is a good offense, right? Maybe not.
Rodgers cannot continue to cover for the problems on the other side of the ball. There's a reason why the Packers won the Super Bowl after the 2010 season, a year in which they had one of the league's best defenses.
It starts with Dom Capers. While there were clearly player execution issues on defense this season (Ha Ha Clinton-Dix...what happened?), Capers' scheme was continually exposed and his players routinely out of position in 2017.
If Rodgers had somehow been able to carry these limping Packers to the playoffs, we might have had another season of the status quo in 2018. But the Packers' playoff elimination in Week 15 helps ensure that the team can make some meaningful changes in the offseason, replacing Capers chief among them.
Many players had the best games of their seasons against the Packers defense this season. Look at Stafford's performance against Green Bay in Week 9: 361 yards, two touchdowns, and completing a whopping 78.8 percent of his passes.
Yikes.
Improving the defense is the most significant thing the team can do this offseason to make Rodgers' life easier. Replacing Capers is a start, but the team should also look into signing a pass-rusher in free agency. The Packers were atrocious at getting after the quarterback in 2017, and it directly led to losses.
3. Get him a tight end
To be fair to Ted Thompson, no one could have foreseen the disaster that the Martellus Bennett signing would become. It should have been a move that made this offense lethal, and instead, it blew up in the Packers' faces.
If there's one single thing the Packers can do to make the Rodgers-led passing attack more robust in 2018, it's adding a physical tight end who can threaten the seam and score in the red zone. And they might not be able to find that player in the draft.
If Thompson is willing to use a high pick on a tight end, there are some gamechanging prospects in this year's class, namely South Carolina's Hayden Hurst, Oklahoma's Mark Andrews, and Wisconsin's Troy Fumagalli. All three could be off the board before the Packers' selection in Round 3.
But there are plenty of tight ends expected to hit free agency in 2018, including Jimmy Graham, Benjamin Watson, and Tyler Eifert. It's not Thompson's usual style to pay free agents upwards of $5 million a year, but if he wants to guide this team to a Super Bowl, it might be the only option.
4. Re-sign Davante Adams
My colleague Cory wrote a thought-provoking piece on Tuesday arguing that the Packers shouldn't re-sign Davante Adams, and the Cheesehead TV community had some thoughts. (As of Wednesday morning, it has 108 comments.)
While Adams' three concussions in the past 14 months are clearly cause for concern, not only about his future in football but his future health, there's also no question that he has become the Packers' No. 1 receiver.
If the Packers are gun shy about investing in Adams as a result of his recent concussions, someone else will, and that team will get better. Adams may not get the monster payday he was in line for, but the Packers can still find a way to keep him happy while keeping his production in Green Bay.
Rodgers is the Packers' golden ticket, but he can't do it alone. Go ahead and mortgage the future, Ted Thompson. This team is going into rebuilding mode either way once Rodgers is gone. It will be a lot nicer if they have a shiny, recent Lombardi Trophy to look at while they do it.
Comments (30)
RCPackerFan
December 20, 2017 at 12:05 pm
As always great article Michelle!
To go off of what you wrote.
1. The unfortunate part about making Rodgers the highest paid player means it gets tougher to sign other players. Look at teams that had stellar defenses, and then get their QB, the defenses start to suffer. Seahawks are a prime example of it.
2. This to me is the single most important thing that Green Bay has to do this year. Capers schemes have become predictable. Then when players like Stafford say after his big game, that they knew everything that Green Bay was going to do, and when you watch the film of it and see them calling screens where the blitzes were coming from, its like they did know what was coming.
This year more then any previous year we have seen a ton of confusion between players and between coaches and players. I would assume we lead the league in allowing TD's with 10 men on the field. Also how many timeouts did we have to call because of only have 10 men on the field?
Getting a new DC would give a lot of guys a new voice to listen to. Clinton-Dix had a really rough year. It seems as if he has lost interest due to how he was being used. He has made several comments and I saw on twitter that he made more while on the show with Montgomery Monday night. Though I did not see what was said.
3/4. Resigning Adams to me is a priority. He is the only WR that can consistently get open.
I will add WR as a need. Adams, Cobb, Nelson are good with Rodgers. But when Rodgers was out Nelson and Cobb were exposed a bit. Nelson has lost a step, and while Cobb can get open he isn't going to out run a ton of people. Adding a big time WR would do a lot to help the offense. Perhaps we will see a guy like Michael Clark emerge.
Regardless he needs more weapons.
I think this team is close. Closer then some want to believe. Had Rodgers not gotten hurt we probably are looking at getting home field advantage for the playoffs.
But now that he is hurt they have to take advantage of the higher draft spots. Get more playmakers. They will be getting 4 compensation picks which can be traded. Doesn't mean they have to trade up in the first round, but if there is a player in the 2nd, 3rd round that can be a play maker, trade up and get him.
If Thompson remains the GM, I liked them going into Free Agency last year, but go out and spend a few more dollars on higher class Free Agents this year. How would AJ Bouye and/or Calais Campbell look in Green Bay? Both signed to bigger deals but really helped turn the Jaguars defense into one of the best in the league. Packers brought in House and Francois and Dial. A lot cheaper, but essentially have gotten nothing out of them.
Now is the time...
packerbackerjim
December 20, 2017 at 02:37 pm
TT had the opportunity to sign Calais Campbell, all 6 foot frickin 8 inch pass rusher. 14.5 sacks thru 14 games; never misses a game. He alone would have made the play of the DBs better. Given sufficient time, the Kizers, Trubiskys, et al, look like all-pro QBs. I really would like to see AR
share his opinions with Murphy.
stockholder
December 20, 2017 at 12:22 pm
Liked the Article. But were in a Rebuild. The age of the veterans is present. The change in DC and GM is coming. MM, Mentally exhausted? Injuries take their toll. Are Hopes are with A-rod. He is the one player I worry about. 200 million? Ok lets pay that. Doesn't he fall into that concussion, injury territory? Bart Starr gave us the history of what happens to the greatest of all QBs. They traded Favre, another Great. ADams isn't going to be great in a rebuild. He's not even a 1000 yard WR yet. Somebody better get their head out of their ass. This club is on the Rocks. We went through the cellar dweller years. Over-paying people to stay in GB won't work. It's time to find those special players, that make champions.
Pack204
December 20, 2017 at 12:22 pm
Remove Rodgers and this team essentially no different personnel wise than any other bottom end team in the NFL. Rodgers should be the highest paid player and it is imperative they go all-in as long as he is the starting quarterback.
And im not buying the excuse of drafting at the bottom all the time because the Patriots routinely draft there too and WIN. They also have a hall of fame qb. The difference is they have surrounded him with the best coaches and gm in the NFL.
Again I am not saying this team isnt successful. What I am trying to say is Green Bay always seems to satisfied with the status quo. There is no excuse why this team shouldn’t have made at least one more super bowl appearance since 2010 but it refused to change and be progressive instead it has regressed to the point that it took this type of injury to AR to expose all the flaws.
DD
December 21, 2017 at 08:34 am
I like and agree with all you said. Pay Rodgers and get him help now. Fans, you're not going to see another 3rd HOF QB for the Pack. MM is stale, DC is obsolete, TT developmental choices and save cap are killing Rosgers. Rodgers window is closing. Playoffs yes, fold yes. We definitely should have superbowl appearancea by now. No change, Rodgers leaves? Don't be surprised fans? The Pack must clear house I feel. If not, we will finish last in the division next year! Then it's getting too late....
TarynsEyes
December 20, 2017 at 12:34 pm
Rodgers one SB was due to the defense though Rodgers played extremely well. That game was the last final nail for those who had doubts about Rodgers and the release of Favre.
Regretfully, that's exactly when the Packers decided to ride the ability of the one and ignored the defensive side of the ball.
Thompson had simply taken the Rodgers train to give his utmost at proving wrong what he can't do...evaluate defensive players and that mindset has had the Packers in a rebuild in part for 6 seasons though hidden via Rodgers exploits and strong denial from many fans, which has come to full realization via elimination.
Thompson has a slew of picks and depending on the last two games can come close to the top 10 but inside the top 15 for sure. This draft should have Thompson trading up to once again to draft two top 20 selections on defense to actually lay a solid base for the, ahem, rebuild that isn't a rebuild.
Whether Thompson trades up as like 09' we can only ' Hope " that he doesn't find another two Harrell or one with a side of Worthy, but two players that can actually play their position they fit in.
The Draft and Develop is still viable as we have those guys, short supply, but a new group of UDFA's will play it's part. Two day one starters this draft is an absolute must for defense. The offense needs help but a true TE is paramount and Rodgers can compensate for the deficit there but is much easier without the defense riding his back also. : )
Razer
December 20, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Good article Michelle. For sure this team can compete with Rodgers at the helm with the addition of some missing pieces. I'll add that Rodgers needs to evolve to expand this offense. As Tom Silverstien wrote, Rodgers may be the biggest hinderance to a solid run game. The Carolina game illustrated his bias to pass over the run. At a time when he couldn't throw effectively, he still chose to opt for pass over run to our determent. If he wants to make this the best offense possible, he needs to craft a full game.
I'd rather have him evolve into Drew Brees rather than Brett Favre. Don't get me wrong, he's the engine that drives the Packers and I am grateful for that - he just needs to work all the cylinders.
4zone
December 20, 2017 at 12:59 pm
If AR is so adamant about the Packers going all in, perhaps he should throw some of his salary into the kitty to help them sign a high end FA or two. After all, he is already making well over 30 million a year including his promo deals.
Since'61
December 21, 2017 at 06:56 am
Good article Michelle. No question that the time has come for TT and the Packers to go all in. Should happened a few seasons ago. To return to the SB the Packers need to do the following:
1. Sign Aaron Rodgers
2. Sign Davante Adams
3. Draft a breakout WR
4. Sign or draft a TE
5. Reinforce the OL, especially the backups.
6. Fire Capers and his staff, replace with a DC who gives this defense a sense of urgency.
7. Draft a pass rusher and a CB
8. Sign a veteran pass rusher and a veteran CB
9. Build the offense to include more run plays with our young RBs to take some of the load off of AR
10. Hire a new ST coach.
That’s my 10 point prescription to get the Pack back on track for another Lombardi.
Spare no cap money because once AR is gone for whatever reason the Packers will be in big trouble anyway.
Thanks, Since ‘61
stockholder
December 20, 2017 at 01:52 pm
Ok let me Help you. 1. Fire Capers ( not six.) 2. They don't need to sign anyone this year. They need to find the defensive studs of the draft. Cory was Right! DEs will only change this defense. (7 & 8.) You don't need a Peppers.(old and slow) We need a Reggie White if thats your thinking. And look how White changed the team. (But that was a 4-3-4 ) 3. TTs specialty is finding OL. 4. TE's, Not Happening. When you get to the WRs and TEs your in a REBUILD! Defense Comes First! A- Rod isn't getting more offense. And if Ronnie Lott is there they'll take him.
Finwiz
December 20, 2017 at 02:25 pm
I agree with you, except you aren't going to find a Reggie White in free agency anymore. Teams that have guys like that franchise them now, or sign them long term.
Otherwise good post!
Since'61
December 20, 2017 at 03:47 pm
Stockholder - Thanks for the offer but I don't need your help. And yes, they do need to sign Adams this season and some of their other players. You probably haven't noticed but it's not easy to find defensive studs in the draft if it was every team would do the same thing.
And yes, this defense needs some help from Free Agents in 2018 because even if you find a defensive stud in the draft it may take them 2-3 years to turn into that stud. Even Clowney and JJ Watt didn't become the play makers they are in their rookie seasons.
As for a Reggie White type of player I doubt that we will see his like again. He was a generational type of player. I don't agree that TEs aren't happening, anything can happen. We can sign a TE, we can draft a TE, maybe even trade for a TE. Why aren't TEs happening? You may be correct but we need players at the TE position.
Defense has been coming first with the Packers for the last several drafts and we still have achieved the 32nd ranked defense in the league. I'm not saying defense should not come first I'm just saying the players that we've spent draft capital on are not getting it done and neither is Capers.
My order of the 10 items was not necessarily by priority so moving firing Capers to the #1 spot doesn't matter. What does matter is that the Packers get at least some of those 10 items done. Preferably all of them. Remember there is no guarantee that Capers will be fired or that he retires.
A-Rod isn't getting more offense? Why? Are you saying that the Packers won't draft or sign any WRs, or TEs or OLs? What sense does that make?
I'm confident that TT will draft a WR or 2 he usually does and if he keeps all 10 of his picks he's going for at least one WR. He may take another QB if Hundley gets traded, which the next 2 games will probably determine.
As for Ronnie Lott he's been retired for a long time now. And we won't find a player like him in the draft. Lott's headhunting style has been illegal in college and the NFL for a while now.
Don't understand your point about being in a rebuild because I think that we should add a WR and/or a TE. Michelle wrote about giving Rodgers what he needs. To me what he needs is a receiving corp with more speed and a legit threat at TE. Also we could use some improved depth on the OL.
I would not call that a rebuild. Sorry that I did not make this clear. We're not rebuilding just retooling on offense.
As for the defense we need pass rushers and CBs. I would look to free agency for an experienced pass rush specialist and experience boundary corner. Then I would also draft a pass rusher and a CB to play opposite King. If you need any help with your response, if any, I'm available. Thanks, Since '61
Finwiz
December 20, 2017 at 04:02 pm
Well referencing the Aaron Nagler theory I heard yesterday, there could be bigger problems than just Capers, and there's no sure thing he will be gone.
If there's really a disconnect in communication between MM, Capers and TT, there's a real problem. It sounds like it could be that Capers isn't getting the types of players he needs specifically for his scheme, and TT doesn't care. He's going to do his "best player available" thing, because he's the smartest GM in the league, and force MM and Capers to coach them within the system. If that's really the case that he's not receptive to suggestions about players, and MM thinks Capers doesn't have the players he needs, we have a BIG problem in GB. I don't discount this possibility at all. It this is really the case, then I put this faulty defensive showing ENTIRELY on the weirdo GM that can't talk to his teams fans, or shareholders more than once a year, because he's too inconvenienced or uncomfortable in front of the camera.
Talk about being unprofessional - that would take the cake.
HankScorpio
December 20, 2017 at 04:31 pm
It's not exactly a new theory that there is a disconnect between what TT does and what Capers wants.
If that dynamic exists (and I think it probably does), it is on MM that it has gone on so long. He should have fired Capers years ago because he didn't fit the organization's philosophy, which is set by TT, not DC.
stockholder
December 20, 2017 at 05:53 pm
Adams-Fair market value is 11 mil per year, crippling. The smarter play is to sign a Defensive player with that money. Peppers got 10 mil. from TT. ----- TEs and WR. Another Wr with the talent of Cobb is 2nd round. TE with the talent of Bubba Franks 1st round. I doubt TT can get a Finley again. R. Rodgers is a FA. Bennet was a bad apple. Regardless your looking at another FA signing here. My preference is R.Rodgers. gets resigned too. <A ) chemistry with A-Rod. B) Contract friendly and knows the system. > So FA signing here is the smarter play, not to use any early picks. Reggie White -yes you are correct. But there still are answers out there if Capers goes. Hyde and Hayward, Player Failures, defensive stats, should be enough to fire him. TT could have taken Demarcus Lawrence. (He's A FA.) Among others that a new coach would love. SHE DID DISAGREE WITH CORY. And when you add everything up. You don't have enough draft picks. Thats a REBuild! Your retooling for A-Rod. TE#1, #2pick must be a WR. #3 pick must be a Tackle. And center if Linsey leaves. Not necessarily in that order but still the top 4 picks. So how do you pick Defense? If you get A-Rod what he needs. You stay with the 3-4-4. When every good team is going with more pass rushers upfront. And Put the hopes on A-RoD. What happens if he Can't play. Your in the Bart Starr years of an aging QB and No defense. Were in a Rebuild. You and others must face this. When you break down the players and the team needs. They don't have enough to keep them out of the cellar. Now lets draft defense= DL,LB,DL, use your back picks to trade up. FA- Let Adams go, TT let Ferguson go! Sign cheaper WRS, Sign no FA over 25. Trust No one over 30.
billybobton
December 20, 2017 at 01:21 pm
Actually it is NOT a good article. With Rodgers we were 4-1 despite OL injuries, no running back and the same defense. It was not a sum of the parts it was a generational QB elevating bad players and forcing opposing teams to play Green Bay in a way the favored out pathetic defense.
The packers are not a sum of the parts. After this disaster how can anyone look at this mess and say differently?
Wake up.
mnbruton
December 20, 2017 at 03:03 pm
I'm not sure if you understood what I meant by that; what I meant was that despite how exceptional Rodgers is, and how much he elevates this team, the "sum of the parts" is still mediocre as there is so much lacking around him.
No worries if you still disagree! Just wanted to be clear.
Tundraboy
December 21, 2017 at 12:12 pm
First 5 games are never an indication, good or bad with this team.
Roadrunner23
December 20, 2017 at 01:40 pm
I agree Michelle and thank you for another excellent article.
1. Yes, pay the man, he is the franchise!
2. As i've been lamenting for 5 years, FIRE DOM CAPERS!
3. Yes get a Tight End, but more important a Tight End who excels at blocking!
4. Re-sign Davante Adams yes, Jordy may have one more year maybe two tops and is now purely a short yardage and red zone specialist.
5. Invest in the Offensive Line BUILD A WALL AROUND THE FRANCHISE! At 34 Rodgers needs to take less hits and the Packers really need to balance the Offense with a run game. That starts up front with a great Offensive Line and a Tight End who can block. It also keeps the Defense off the field longer!
egbertsouse
December 20, 2017 at 01:40 pm
If they are going to pay Rodgers and Adams and get some help on D, TT better start cutting or restructuring the contracts of some of the higher paid low-producers: CMIII, Cobb, Jordy, HHCD, Perry, Bulaga, Kendricks. Yes, some of these guys used to be great but football is a now business. You just can't have cap space tied up with marginal performers.
Turophile
December 20, 2017 at 02:59 pm
Capers has failed too many times to get the defense on track. He has had many picks to work with. His D has been a bottom feeder for years. He has failed to develop players like Hayward. The Packers insisted on playing Hayward in the slot. His new team moves him outside and bingo !
The whole defensive coaching staff are just too comfortable given the yearly performance. I would release Capers and at least one other defensive coach. They need shaking up.
Next, I'd get a starting-level outside WR in round 1 or 2 to be the eventuual starter opposite Adams. If the stars don't align for that, then a good TE. I would not go heavy on defense this year, but shoot for a balanced draft, something like OLB, WR, CB, TE, G, S to start.
Because a player sets his value by his play, I will not join others asking for AR to take a discount. He is worth what a team is willing to pay and that will be expensive.
I don't know how O line players like McCray, Patrick, Amichia, Murphy, even Spriggs will develop but they must move forward or be replaced with someone else, because a line with solid starters and functional backups is a vital part of keeping AR from further injury, not to mention giving him the time to cut defenses apart. I really don't want a scenario where someone like Barclay is the best backup on the roster.
Finally, I'd look at shaking up the training staff. There are just too many injuries each year. Again, a new approach is needed, because the way it works now is not good.
dobber
December 20, 2017 at 03:47 pm
"I don't know how O line players like McCray, Patrick, Amichia, Murphy, even Spriggs will develop but they must move forward or be replaced with someone else,"
McCray is showing signs of being the next OL "utility knife". Murphy looks like he can play RG and RT, and Spriggs is likely the swing OT. Unless one of those guys steps into a starting role at RG or RT, that's two positions that need filling. I would argue that they need to find a front-line RT. They could do that in the draft pretty readily, but you can't keep tacking early round needs onto the draft and expect to meet them all.
NickPerry
December 20, 2017 at 03:08 pm
Don't we say something very similar at the end of each year? No offense Michelle because I agree with everything you wrote and thank you for the piece. But it seems we say the same damn thing every season. The only difference this year is we're talking about it in before week 16!!
Since'61
December 20, 2017 at 03:53 pm
Nick - sad but true. Especially concerning the defense. We've had the same recurring themes for several seasons now, get better players on defense and give more/better weapons to A. Rodgers. No sense of urgency by management to win now is I can offer for the ongoing failures and this season's debacle. Let's see what 2018 brings. Thanks, Since '61
Houndog
December 20, 2017 at 07:53 pm
Great article Michelle, but unfortunately unless there's a change at GM I doubt we'll see much change and with what I hear of Murphy he's happy with TT.
We need the B.O.D. to step up and fix this, give people ultimatums! Can they possibly be blind to what we've all been seeing for the past 7 years?
Start with reminding Murphy that the G B Packers are first and foremost a football organization, not a theme park operation. The only monuments we need are already there; Lambeau Field and the statue that stands in front of it. Feeding his own ego should not be his priority, Packers' football should be!
Better yet, fire Murphy, and then beg if you must to get Bob Harlan to come back and fix this mess! It'd probably take him a week or two, if that!
baldski
December 20, 2017 at 09:05 pm
Michelle, if I was Arod, I would play out my contract and find another team to play for if he really wants to get another Super Bowl ring. Look for a team that needs an ace QB to fill it out. Green Bay will never give him that and if they try, it will take too long to rebuild to Super Bowl level.
Samson
December 20, 2017 at 09:05 pm
Nice analysis once again.
However, it's near impossible to accomplish all this in even 1 or 2 off seasons. -- That's part of the problem. -- AR is 34 years old. -- Your ideas should have been ongoing since season 2010 (when AR was still in his prime and less injury prone).
I'm not convinced that the brain trusts running the Pack will be bold enough to go for broke. -- If no one is sent packing and injury excuses headline every presser, then season 2018 may be worse than season 2017.
croatpackfan
December 21, 2017 at 02:11 am
Very nice article Michelle...
I will like to point out just one thing. I agree that D have to improve a lot, but no part of the team can wn it all by themselves. D have to help O and ST, but O have to help D and ST, as well as ST have to help O and D...
That is, by my opinion recipe used by Patriots. They might not have the best O, the best D or the best ST, but all 3 parts of the team are good enough to helping each other...
BPEARSON21
December 21, 2017 at 07:45 am
Really good article. I just don't understand how it took people this long to realize it... it took yet another wasted year for fans to finally realize the changes that I was screaming my head off about after the blow out to the Falcons in the play offs last year.
Those comments were on this website you can go back and read them. I said before the season that our defense was largely the same group as last year so why would we expect a different result..? I've been saying for years the Packers are nothing with Rodgers and it took him getting injured for people to realize that. I've been begging and pleading people to realize that this team needs veterans and needs to enter a "win now" mode but over and over I was told that our new rookies and old draft picks would eventually turn this defense into a top 10 caliber D. (lol I know).
I guess I'm happy people are finally catching up, I just can't figure out what took everyone so long.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 22, 2017 at 10:45 am
It isn't my goal to make AR the highest paid player in the NFL. I do want to keep him happy, so if that is what it takes, so be it.