Packers QB Jordan Love has agreed to a contract extension, which secures him through the 2024 year, instead of picking up his fifth-year option on the original contract. Tuesday marks the deadline for 2020 first-round picks to have their fifth-year options picked up.
The extension will see Jordan Love making $13.5 million dollars guaranteed but up to $22.5 million dollars this season. The extension ensures Love that he has a place with the team for two more years as he develops. It also protects the Packers from having to go back to QB shopping if Love were to have a breakout season in 2023.
Jordan Love has seen limited play as QB with the Packers, as veteran superstar Aaron Rodgers was still at the helm and performing well despite a number of bleak season outcomes. Love’s 5th-year option would’ve seen him take a guaranteed $20.272 million dollars.
Speaking about the decision not to pick up the fifth year of the contract, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said, “It’s a lot of money for a guy who hasn’t played.” As gruff as this may seem, considering three seasons have seen Love rack up 83 passes, 50 completions, 606 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, management wanted to extend Jordan in good faith but give him an opportunity to prove himself.
Even so, Love has benefited greatly from the tutelage of both coach Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers. Speaking of the relationship back in 2020, LaFleur said “I’ll say this: The guy has been such an incredible mentor for not only Jordan, but for Tim Boyle as well. He has done such a great job of communicating with those guys. It is pretty special. It’s like having another coach in the room. I sit in all of those quarterback meetings. He’s just totally embraced that room. He’s done such a great job of taking both of those guys under his wing and helping them both out. He’s been spectacular.”
That being said, so far in the draft, the Packers have prioritized surrounding Love with plenty of pass catchers and skilled players, so he has every chance to shine as the new QB 1.
