Packers, Apparently Over Brett Favre, Give Aaron Rodgers Long-Term Contract

The Packers front office has a funny way of dealing with the lingering grief associated with losing that interception machine, Brett Favre: they sign his replacement, Aaron Rodgers, to a long-term deal. (Deanna fires up the blog machine in 3... 2... 1...)

According to Packers.com (via MDS at PFT), the team extended the first-year starter and former first-round pick through 2014.

"As we talked about in the past, we try to be proactive in our discussions with our current players and we felt like this was an appropriate time to try to come to an agreement with Aaron," said Thompson. "We feel like this is good for the organization and the players, and we will continue this approach as we move forward."

I think most rational people would agree with that assessment. The Packers are 4-3 and tied for first in the division with the Bears. Given the state of the defense, and Ryan Grant disappearing for most of the first half of the season, it's fair to say that without Rodgers, Green Bay could easily be a two-win team.

That they're playing relatively well while Favre struggles in New York creates unsafe cognitive dissonance levels for some Packers supporters, but for the rest of us, it's pretty clear that Thompson and Mike McCarthy made the right move. Until Rodgers goes down and it's Matt Flynn's team, anyway.

Until then, though, these guys are brilliant!

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

11-03-2008 @ 11:41AM

AJ Brown said...

Ok, so you don't like Brett. I guess there are a few like you. We still love him in WI and wish him the best with the Jets. Brett and Deanna are real people. They have overcome what most regular people could or would not together. They have brought a lot of good fortune to our state and others via Deanna's Hope foundation and Brett's Foundation Hope. Did you know Brett met with someone special from the make a wish foundation every Friday they had a home game since he's been famous? Do you know about Brett's Charity softball game every summer and how much it raises? Do you understand the hardships they have faced in the past decade that they personally overcame and became better people for it? I know he's done questionable things and had in this past post season made some mistakes that caused his move but he's a hero here. Always will be. It's a free country and you are certainly entitled to write and say what you want, and have your own opinion but, I'm also entitled to mine and to me, it sounds like he bounced your team for a good whooping and you're a little bitter...
Cheers from WI!
Have a great weekend and GO PACK!

10-31-2008 @ 6:40PM

Ken Davis said...

Brett Favre has just about every other record a quarterback can have besides the interceptions. He has made millions! What has Ryan Wilson accomplished in his life? By the way, I am not that much of a Favre fan, just stating the facts.

11-01-2008 @ 4:16AM

michael said...

Ryan Wilson is a horrible writer..No Wonder why your writing blogs online.... Interception machine?? Favre struggling in New York?? What games have you been watching? Favre has been doing well in new york. New York is an average team, what do you expect them to be? undefeated? I have nothing against aarron rodgers, but he is an average quaterback..he is no romo, he is no manning, he is no brady..he is as average as they come..four-three..if you look at the teams they beat, you can see they were horrible teams..lions and vikings...vikings qauterback didnt even complete half his passes in the entire game..colts have been struggling this year, and they arent they same colts as last year..seahawks..well thats self explainatory... When it came down to the real Nfl teams, they lost..2014 seem too long of a contract..they should have waited for this season to be over or until next season...Favre is favre. he will have his ups and downs, but its a pleasure to see him play for any team..even if its new york..Stop giving the man a hard time..If you were in his shoes than you would understand..

11-01-2008 @ 10:36AM

Dick said...

Ryan Wilson should seek another line of work. Brett Favre has accomplished more than any other QB in the NFL and is now the No.1 QB in the NFL. With Manning and Brady being hurt who can possibly break his records. It would take them 10-15 years to catch up to him which they don't have. Brett also has the Jets in second place right now and they would be in the playoffs if the season ended now. They couldn't say that last year. The Jets wil probably finish with a record of 8-8 due to their rough schedule in the second half of the season. This won't be because of a lack of effort on Brett's part. They would be a lot worse if he wasn't there. So Wilson, go study and do more research before opening your mouth and inserting your foot. GO PACK GO and best of wishes to you Brett!!!!

11-01-2008 @ 2:02PM

Wayne Montgomery said...

I hardly ever make statements but Ted Thompson, Mike Murphy and Mike McCarthy should be FIRED at the end of the season. Iam a bussiness man, millionare several times over and after having 10 experts in sport, bussiness,investments, futures vs returns ect...... the Packers ol, recievers and defence are at a super bowl callibure, while the Jets have 3 players even noted. The bottom line is the Packers should be 7-0 and theJets 1-6. Iam not a fan of either team but as a bussiness deal the Packers lost big time. with Farve in Green Bay Iam told they would be 14-2 and 3-0 amd super bowl champs,but instead thompson gave a long term contract to his personal hand pick at the expense of a city and a totle i'm told is hard to get. if you don't clean house I can easily predict the down fall of a once intellegent town, you have my respects.

11-01-2008 @ 5:04PM

dan said...

I think Ken, Dick, and Michael might be the same person.

I thought it was good writing. Good point, and I liked the use of the term "cognitive dissonance." That's exactly what it is. Favre angst. Personally, I let go of my Favre angst circa 2003 or so. ...just...figured, "he's gonna' do what he's gonna' do, and I'm just going to enjoy it if I can." It's been a good philosophy for me.

11-02-2008 @ 7:45AM

Suzanne said...

Hey, Mr. Wayne Montgomery, millionaire and expert in finance. If you are such an expert on running organizations, why is it you spelt the business wrong?? Who are you trying to kid??????