Aaron Rodgers' Lofty Salary Demands Revealed Amid Contract Negotiations

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Treppedi | Last updated Mar 15, 2025 3:49 PM ET

Aaron Rodgers, 41, is mulling over the prospects of playing for the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants or Pittsburgh Steelers next season.

After a disastrous second year with the New York Jets that resulted in only five wins, Rodgers is looking to secure a handsome pay day from whomever inks the four-time MVP to a contract.

In the meantime, Sam Darnold left the possibility of returning to the Vikings after a comeback performance last season by signing a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks with an average annual value of $33.5 million.

Per Michael Silver, Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis of The Athletic, Rodgers is seeking an annual salary in the "same general range" as Darnold. Though the three report that this is not expected to be a "major stumbling block" in negotiations.

Rodgers has made his list of priorities clear that we would prefer playing with Minnesota over Pittsburgh or New York—so much so, that The Athletic reports that it's possible Rodgers "will turn down both the Steelers (a 2024 playoff team) and Giants and instead opt for retirement."

The decision comes down to Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell.

O’Connell must decide on whether adding Rodgers will be the best thing for second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s development. While the decision is organizational, O’Connell has the most at stake.

McCarthy, who was expected to replace Darnold in 2025 after missing his rookie season with a knee injury, could see his role shift if Rodgers—coming off an Achilles injury and a disappointing 2024 season—joins the team.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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