Jordan Love Stands Firm as Contract Talks Heat Up with the Packers

If 2023 was the build-up, 2024 is shaping up to be the takeoff season for Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers.

The former first-round pick had a breakout performance during the latter half of the 2023 campaign, leading the Packers on a surprising run to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. After spending years in the shadows amid questions about whether he could truly take over for Aaron Rodgers, Love answered in emphatic fashion. His progression positions Green Bay as a formidable competitor as they look to return to the playoffs and cause waves in 2024.

However, Love’s timeline creates a unique contractual situation for the Packers. Because Green Bay chose Love and allowed him to learn behind Rodgers for three years, they missed the opportunity to benefit from his services on a rookie deal. The upcoming 2024 season will mark Love’s second as a full-time starter, but it also means it’s his fifth year on the team’s payroll, as he enters the final year of his four-year rookie contract.

Now it’s time for the Packers to negotiate an extension with Love, who has indicated through his representation that he won’t participate in practice until a new deal is finalized. This puts significant pressure on both sides to come to an agreement quickly.

In a recent news conference, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating, “Yeah, I think so, but again you never know. We’re working really hard to get that done. I think it’s really important for us. At the same time, the thing that I have confidence in is that we both want the same thing. We want Jordan here for a long time, give him that stability for him, and it gives us some stability for our group as well.”

Gutekunst continued, adding that while he feels the two sides are close, there are no specific timelines for when a resolution might occur. This line of communication is crucial; both parties understand the importance of reaching a beneficial agreement.

The quarterback market has been active throughout 2024, with several players signing contracts worth over $53 million per year. Players like Tua Tagovailoa still await their contracts, putting extra pressure on Love to secure a good deal.

Despite having only limited success as a starter, Love’s contract could still find itself within that lucrative range. In the NFL, how business is conducted often relies on market dynamics, especially at pivotal positions like quarterback where the player holds significant leverage.

By choosing to hold out for a deal, Love is utilizing his leverage effectively by managing his most valuable asset—his health. Showing he prioritizes securing a long-term deal could help expedite discussions with the Packers, who might recognize it’s in their best interest to pay a budding star sooner, rather than later.

Gutekunst elaborated on Love’s decision not to practice, revealing how it was communicated to them. “I think it was Saturday night they kind of informed us that until we get something done that he would not practice,” he said. “Again, until something gets done before practice starts here pretty soon, he will not be practicing. But again, I think this is something we’re all working on.”

Love’s rise in 2023 wasn’t just a lucky streak; it’s a testament to how belief in a player can yield remarkable results. Given Love’s performance, Green Bay holds strong confidence that he will continue to improve, which only bolsters their case for striking a new deal.

In the meantime, the team must navigate practice without their starting quarterback. Gutekunst acknowledged that Love’s absence during practice is not ideal but mentioned he’s actively involved in every other aspect of training camp. “He’ll be taking part in… He reported last week, he’s taking part in everything else,” he explained.

The Packers’ head coach, Matt LaFleur, also commented on the situation, indicating they have no immediate plans to pursue additional quarterbacks. As they prepare for training camp, it seems Love still has the support of his teammates. The second-year quarterback, Sean Clifford, will take first-team snaps, with practice reps split between him and rookie quarterbacks.

LaFleur addressed concerns about losing momentum built from last season, expressing his confidence in Love’s preparation. “I know how he prepares,” he said, reassuring fans that he isn’t overly worried about the impact of Love’s practice absence.

Clifford relayed that Love communicated his situation to him before camp, stating that Love wanted to be on the field but needed to ensure everything was handled correctly. “He obviously wanted to be out there; he’s been pushing to get out there,” Clifford shared. “I don’t even think it’s him. It’s more of other people making sure that he’s taken care of. The organization is as well. They’re doing their due diligence.”

With the current situation, Love stands to earn significantly more than his previous contract. Having only earned a base salary of $1.01 million last season, he’s now in a prime position for a lucrative extension. Reports indicate he could join the ranks of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, potentially surpassing $50 million annually.

The latest trend in quarterback deals, including contracts like Trevor Lawrence’s five-year, $275 million agreement, shows just how quickly numbers can escalate. This surge in value across the league sets a precedent for Love as he navigates his negotiations.

In 2023, Love threw for 4,159 yards, achieving 32 touchdowns against just 11 interceptions. His consistency placed him among the top quarterbacks, making him a pivotal player for the Packers’ future.

As the team enters the new season, all eyes are on Love and his development, emphasizing just how critical these negotiations are for both the player and the organization heading into 2024.