Jordan Love - Photo by Green Bay Packers
GREEN BAY, WI (WSAU) – Jordan Love is the Green Bay Packers’ new starting quarterback, but the franchise isn’t quite ready to pay him yet.
Love’s $20.3 million fifth-year option for 2024 has not yet been exercised by the Packers, and general manager Brian Gutekunst doesn’t seem too enthused about possibly guaranteeing him that large of a payday so soon.
“It’s a lot of money for a guy who hasn’t played, but at the same time, we’re moving forward with him,” Gutekunst told reporters on Saturday after the draft.
Love has only made one start, and it came in 2021 against a formidable Kansas City Chiefs defense. He has only completed 60.2 percent of his passes in parts of 10 games, passing for 606 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Rodgers’ initial extension with the Packers came with a guaranteed salary that is close to the value of Love’s fifth-year option. Although Rodgers’ numbers weren’t the best when he replaced Brett Favre, he had already started seven games before the Packers gave him a sizable long-term financial commitment.
The Packers drafted Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford in the 5th round of the NFL draft and Brian Gutekunst spoke about him after saying, “We really liked what he brings to the table,” Gutekunst said Saturday. “Started a lot of games in the Big Ten. Has a lot of experience. Really good athlete. Liked his arm talent. We brought him in for a pre-draft visit and we really liked the makeup of the person.”
Jordan Love will require some time before it is known if he will be the Packers’ long-term starter, but if Love shines, Clifford can let the Packers relax and put any preparations to bring in a seasoned quarterback on hold for the immediate future.
Comments