Aug 30, 2018 2 min read

Rodgers now NFL’s highest-paid player Before he became the NFL’s highest-paid player again, Aaron Rodgers wore a denim suit and cowboy hat that made him look as if he were going to serve as a chaperone at a square dance. For Rodgers, it’s kind of a big deal either way. The two-time NFL MVP signed a four-year extension with the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday that would keep him under contract through the 2023 season. The four-year deal is worth $134 million, with more than $100 million in guaranteed money. Rodgers’ former teammate, NFL Network analyst James Jones, first reported the agreement. Rodgers’ new annual average salary of $33.5 million per year would eclipse Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan’s five-year extension worth $30 million a year. Browns linebacker charged, released ClevelandBrownslinebacker Mychal Kendricks was released by the team Wednesday night, hours after being charged by federal prosecutors with insider trading. Kendricks signed a oneyear contract with the Browns in June after winning a Super Bowl title last season Earlier, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain said Kendricks made approximately $1.2 million profit off illegal, nonpublic information in four separate major deals. Kendricks issued a statement admitting his guilt and apologizing. He expressed regret and accepted “full responsibility” for his actions. Kendricks did not travel with the Browns for their Thursday night exhibition finale in Detroit, and the team decided to part ways with the 27-year-old after arriving in Michigan. Kendricksisfacingpossible prison time and further discipline from the NFL for violating its personal conduct policy. Atlanta arena gets new name Philips Arena in Atlanta is being renamed for State Farm after a $192.5 million renovation. The Atlanta Hawks and the insurance company announced Wednesday they reached a 20-year deal on naming rights for the arena, currently in the final phase of its renovation. The arena is expected to reopen in October as the Hawks celebrate their 50th year in Atlanta. The Hawks had played in Philips Arena since its opening in 1999 after Dutch Royal Philips Electronics pur-