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The Green Bay Packers were not directly affected by the big news from Wednesday in the NFL, but they will feel the ripple effect down the road. The Colts locked up quarterback Andrew Luck to a new contract, the largest average compensation per year in the NFL's history, and as the salary cap continues to increase it spells continued bumps for the net few quarterbacks who sign their long-term contracts.
The Packers thankfully do not have to make any decisions about Aaron Rodgers soon; #12 is locked up for four more years in Green Bay, and he will be 36 by the time he hits free agency next. Still, it's clear that contract values continue to inflate around the league.
Instead, the Packers will need to focus on their free agent offensive linemen in the 2017. Which of the three starters will be re-signed first will be a fascinating process to watch.
Andrew Luck signs six-year, $140 million Colts contract - NFL.com
Luck's deal has $60 million in guaranteed money (at least as of next March). This deal had to get done before July 15th, which is the deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term extensions. As our Jason B. Hirschhorn noted yesterday, Aaron Rodgers took notice of the contract - the Packers QB isn't due for a new deal until after the 2019 season, but he's smart to have an eye on other players. For now, though, he's currently the third-highest-paid quarterback behind Luck and Joe Flacco.
Datone Jones ready for next phase of transition | Packers.com
Jones is following in the footsteps of Mike Neal and Julius Peppers, and he's excited to lean down - and get a six-pack.
Should Packers spend on Sitton, Lang, Bakhtiari? | Pro Football Focus
According to PFF, Bakhtiari's strength is in pass-blocking and is weak in the run game - probably not a huge surprise for Packers fans. Overall, they pick Lang as the player most critical to re-sign, a choice that agrees with our analysis of the situation a few weeks back.
Dr. Z's All-Time Team: Offense | The MMQB with Peter King
Don Hutson and Forrest Gregg make the list here, proving what readers of Dr. Z have known for a long time - he knows his history and knows greatness when he sees it.
Cowboys have the best shot of going from worst to first in their division - SBNation.com
The last three teams to finish last in their division one year and then win it the next season did so in the NFC East - Washington did it last year and in 2012, while the Eagles did so in 2013.