Aaron Rodgers agrees to take massive pay cut for Jets

Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets have agreed to a new two-year contract that sees the quarterback take a substantial pay cut that should help the team build a team around him.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday evening that the Jets signed Rodgers to a new two-year contract that will come with $75 million in guaranteed money. That deal replaces his previous contract that he signed with Green Bay that would have paid him more than $110 million. That means Rodgers is taking roughly a $35 million pay cut.

This is significant because it gives the Jets some additional flexibility when it comes to building a team around their new franchise quarterback. 

For Rodgers, the motivation is simple — he wants to win another Super Bowl to add to his Hall of Fame resume and knows that he needs as much help around him as possible. Especially on a New York team that has not made the playoffs in 12 years. 

It also shows that Rodgers isn't just in this for a paycheck. These next two years are all about winning and doing whatever it takes for him to get that opportunity. 

It is also a potential steal for the Jets. 

If Rodgers performs like they think he can, he will be a bargain at that number. One of the most important aspects of building a Super Bowl-caliber roster in the modern NFL is having an elite quarterback who isn't making elite money. Tom Brady played on a below-market contract for the New England Patriots and allowed the team to add as much talent around him as possible. Patrick Mahomes is also making less than other top-tier passers. It's also why quarterbacks on rookie contracts tend to be the most valuable players in the league from a cap perspective.

Every dollar that is saved on the most important position is a dollar that can be allocated to other positions. 

Now the Jets just simply need to put that extra cap room over the next two years to good use, and Rodgers needs to show that he can still be a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback. He did not play at that level a year ago and will be turning 40 years old in December. Even the great ones run into a wall at some point, and the Jets have to hope Rodgers has not yet reached that point.