GREEN BAY – Talk of a contract extension for Aaron Rodgers has been swirling for months now.
An agreement had yet to be reached as the Packers opened training camp, but Green Bay's franchise quarterback insisted after Thursday's first practice that it's not a distraction.
"I talk with my agent daily so I'm aware of conversations," Rodgers said. "I'm really not too worried about it.
"It's important to me, but my focus is on this team and training camp."
Rodgers has two years left on his current contract, which matches the timing of his last extension five years ago. New General Manager Brian Gutekunst mentioned early in the offseason the desire to get a new deal done, and Rodgers confirmed the mutual interest when team workouts began in April.
Rodgers said he's leaving all the discussions in the hands of his agent, David Dunn. He didn't suggest any deadline has been set, nor did he consider holding out of camp to push the issue.
"I don't know if there's a timetable. The feelings haven't changed," he said. "Obviously I'd love to be here, and they've spoken at length about wanting to extend my deal.
"Now that I'm here, my focus is definitely in other places. It's on my teammates, my leadership role and my performance on the field."
That began in typical Rodgers fashion on Thursday, aggressively attacking downfield in 11-on-11 work and connecting with all of his top targets.
New tight end Jimmy Graham got off to a strong start, Randall Cobb wrestled a contested deep ball away from cornerback Kevin King, and Geronimo Allison made multiple grabs. One drop by Allison and an overthrow of an open Davante Adams were the only notable plays Rodgers probably would have wanted back.
He has no reservations about the chemistry developing with Graham – "We just need more reps," he said – and he was glad to hear right tackle Bryan Bulaga should be ready for Week 1.
Justin McCray was the right guard with the No. 1 offensive line on Thursday and will be making a run to lock down that spot, and Rodgers was complimentary of the reserve group developing amongst tackles Jason Spriggs and Kyle Murphy plus interior guys Lucas Patrick and Dillon Day.
"As opposed to years past when we were often plugging in a lot of first- and second-year guys, you look over there now and you feel good about the depth we're starting to put behind those guys," he said.
He added there's a "different feeling" to the start of this year's camp, with a lot of energy and enthusiasm surrounding the new defense, and the mix of young talent and veteran leadership he senses coming together.
"With the expectations that we always have on offense," he said, "we're going to find our rhythm at some point during the season and be really tough to stop."
