Aaron Rodgers is set to return to the Packers lineup this Sunday against the Panthers, and the quarterback expects big things out of wide receiver Davante Adams.

Rodgers, who has been out two months with a broken collarbone, sounded less like the Packers quarterback and more like Adams' agent as he praised the receiver after practice Wednesday.

"He's making a lot of money this year," Rodgers said. "Hopefully we pay him sooner rather than later."

Rodgers was speaking more about Adams' potential future contract rather than in actual salary terms. The fourth-year receiver is still working under his rookie contract, a four-year deal worth $3.9 million. But he's set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2018 season, and given his production (69 catches, 828 yards and nine touchdowns this season) he's in line for a big pay day.

"He's a talented guy who has just proven it week after week he's hard to guard," Rodgers said. "It's tough to guard him one on one. … He's (beaten) a lot of the best corners in this game. He's done it every single week, made plays.

"The most encouraging thing … is to see his leadership, just seeing that start to grow."

Adams told Madison.com last month he wasn't worried about his next contract.

“This league is about, ‘What have you done for me lately?’ So I have to make sure I continue to do what I’ve got to do. For the big picture that’s win the Super Bowl and not worry about how much money I get,” Adams said. “I want to be a Green Bay Packer. Playing with Aaron Rodgers, that’s part of it. Obviously, he knows me and everyone in here knows me. They know what I’m about and they know I want to be here.

“I want to be here. (But) I’m not in a rush, because I have a few bucks right now. I’ll be OK ‘til the end of the season.”