The Green Bay Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers are getting closer to a contract extension, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Rapoport said that the two sides have made "measurable progress," and that there is some optimism that a new contract could get done before the 2018 season begins in September.

The two-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl 45 champion has two years left on his current contract. Since Rodgers signed a five-year, $110 million extension in 2013, the contracts for starting quarterbacks have only skyrocketed ever since. For example, the San Francisco 49ers gave Jimmy Garoppolo a five-year, $137.5 million contract, even though he's made just seven career starts.

It's worth noting that Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported two weeks ago that Rodgers and the Packers hadn't made any "meaningful progress." But the idea of Rodgers leaving the team that made him a legend always seemed unimaginable, and now it looks like an extension will be reached.

When he's healthy, there is no quarterback as good as Rodgers. The Packers made the postseason every year under Rodgers from 2009-16, which included one Super Bowl championship and a total of three NFC title game appearances.

Rodgers and the Packers looked primed for another playoff run in 2017, but he suffered a fractured collarbone injury mid-season, and Green Bay slumped to a 7-9 finish. His value to the team cannot be underestimated, and the Packers would be crazy to not give into his contract demands.

Green Bay tried to bolster their Super Bowl chances in the offseason by signing Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham and defensive lineman, Muhammad Wilkerson. If Rodgers can stay healthy, Green Bay will have a legitimate shot at winning Super Bowl 53.

Giving Rodgers the long-term extension he's worthy of would only motivate No. 12 even more in getting that second Super Bowl championship.

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