Packers GM: 'Would Be Nice' to Re-Sign Aaron Rodgers Before Drew Brees Signs

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst expressed his desire Thursday to sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a new contract before some of the top free-agent signal-callers ink their deals.

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Gutekunst said: "We'd like to do it sooner rather than later. When you've got the best player in the sport you'd like to lock him up."

When asked specifically whether he would like to get a deal done with Rodgers before Drew Brees and Kirk Cousins sign their free-agent contracts, Gutekunst added, "That would be nice."

On Tuesday, Packers president Mark Murphy told ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky that the team and Rodgers have made progress on a new contract.

The 34-year-old Rodgers still has two years remaining on his current deal, but reworking it could allow the Packers to keep him in Green Bay for the remainder of his career.

The timing of signing the deal is key since the contracts that Brees and Cousins sign could help dictate what Rodgers gets.

It is more likely that Cousins' deal will be the benchmark since every indication is that Brees' contract will be short in term.

If Rodgers signs before Cousins, then it would go a long way toward setting the market for Cousins in free agency. If Cousins signs first, however, it would give Rodgers and his representatives a jumping-off point.

Per Spotrac, Rodgers has the 16th-largest 2018 cap hit among all players, and the 13th-highest among quarterbacks.

Based on his remarkable track record, Rodgers could be in line to become the highest-paid player in the NFL depending upon when he signs.

Although Rodgers was limited to seven games last season due to a broken collarbone, he still finished with 1,675 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Rodgers is a six-time Pro Bowler, two-time First Team All-Pro, two-time NFL MVP and one-time Super Bowl champion.

He is 20th all-time in passing yardage (38,502) and 10th in passing touchdowns (313).

His presence was sorely missed last season, as the Packers didn't make the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and that alone is enough reason for Green Bay to do whatever it takes to lock him up over the long term.