Report: Packers working on short-term deal to make Rodgers highest-paid player

The Green Bay Packers are negotiating a short-term deal for Aaron Rodgers that would make the reigning MVP the highest-paid player in the NFL if he returns in 2022, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The Packers are waiting to hear whether their longtime quarterback will continue his playing career or retire. The franchise reportedly hopes to wrap up negotiations with Rodgers' representation by the time he decides his future.

Rodgers is scheduled to earn nearly $26.5 million in base salary next season, though his cap number is over $46 million. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes currently earns the league's highest average annual salary at $45 million per season.

Rodgers is expected to inform the Packers of his decision in the near future. While he's reportedly drawn significant trade interest, Green Bay has displayed no interest in moving him. Rodgers and the Packers were at odds a year ago but appeared to mend their relationship throughout the 2021 season.

The 38-year-old is coming off his second consecutive MVP season and has thrown 85 touchdowns against nine interceptions over the last two years.

Rodgers led the Packers to 13 wins in each of the last three seasons but failed to reach the Super Bowl in any of them. The future Hall of Famer hasn't returned to the championship game since winning Super Bowl XLV at the end of the 2010 season.