How Much Did Aaron Rodgers Make Last Year
Aaron Rodgers earned a base salary of $59.5 million for the 2024 NFL season, according to public salary cap data from Spotrac. This figure reflects his guaranteed money with the New York Jets after the trade from the Green Bay Packers. The total includes his base pay and likely roster bonuses, but excludes performance incentives and off-field earnings. His cap hit for the team was $59.5 million, placing him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league that year.
Rodgers' total earnings for the year were higher when including his signing bonus proration and roster bonuses from his contract extension. The deal signed with the Jets in 2023 front-loaded significant guaranteed money, which boosted his cash flow for the 2024 season. His average annual salary under the current contract is approximately $50.3 million, making him one of the top earners in the NFL. These numbers are sourced from the latest NFL salary cap reports and team filings.
Aaron Rodgers Contract Details and Salary Structure
Rodgers signed a four-year, $200 million contract extension with the Jets in 2023, with $150 million guaranteed. The deal includes a $50 million signing bonus and a $35 million roster bonus paid in 2024. His base salary for 2024 was $59.5 million, with a cap hit of $59.5 million. The contract structure is designed to provide significant guaranteed money in the early years of the deal.
Breakdown of Guaranteed Money
The guaranteed portion of Rodgers' contract includes the signing bonus, roster bonus, and a portion of his base salary. The signing bonus of $50 million was paid upfront and is fully guaranteed. The roster bonus of $35 million is also fully guaranteed and was due in 2024. These guarantees make Rodgers one of the most financially secure players in the NFL, regardless of performance or injury status.
Base Salary and Cap Hit
Rodgers' base salary for the 2024 season was $59.5 million, which matches his cap hit for that year. This base salary is the primary component of his earnings and is fully guaranteed. The cap hit is the amount that counts against the Jets' salary cap, which was $255.4 million for the 2024 season. Rodgers' cap percentage was approximately 23.3%, making him the largest single salary expense on the Jets' roster.
Signing Bonus and Roster Bonus Timing
The signing bonus was paid in full in 2023, while the roster bonus was paid in 2024. Both bonuses are prorated over the life of the contract for cap purposes, but the cash is received in the specified years. The roster bonus of $35 million in 2024 significantly boosted his cash earnings for that season. This timing is a key factor in understanding his total take-home pay for the year.
Performance Incentives and Additional Earnings
Rodgers' contract includes performance incentives that can add to his earnings, but these are not guaranteed. Incentives are based on playing time, Pro Bowl selections, and team performance metrics. While the exact amounts are not fully public, these incentives can add several million dollars to his total compensation. His off-field earnings from endorsements and business ventures are separate from his NFL salary.
Comparing Aaron Rodgers' Earnings to Other NFL Quarterbacks
Rodgers' 2024 salary of $59.5 million placed him among the top five highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL that year. His earnings were higher than many established starters but below the top earners like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. The average salary for an NFL quarterback in 2024 was