Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst made a long-term bet in the 2020 NFL Draft, drafting quarterback Jordan Love with a plan for him to succeed Aaron Rodgers. After two seasons of developing behind the scenes, Gutekunst reportedly thought Love was ready last season.
After Green Bay dropped to 4-8 following a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, speculation emerged about a potential quarterback change. Rodgers was injured and no longer playing at an MVP-caliber level, with the franchise facing slim playoff odds.
Related: Green Bay Packers think Jordan Love is ‘second coming’ at QB
Ultimately, Rodgers started all 17 games with the Packers’ playoff chances slowly increasing during a four-game winning streak. It led to a win-and-in scenario in Week 18, which Green Bay lost, keeping Love on the bench and raising questions about Rodgers’ future.
- Jordan Love career stats: 606 passing yards, 3-3 TD-INT, 79.7 QB rating, 60.2% completion
While the debate about benching Rodgers in favor of Love primarily occurred amongst analysts and fans, it seems the Packers’ general manager heavily considered it.
Packers’ reporter Tom Silverstein wrote for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Gutekunst told someone in the NFL he believed it was time for the franchise to start Love.
“At one point late last year, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told an NFL colleague he was convinced it was time the organization move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and see what Jordan Love had in him.”
Tom Silverstein on Green Bay Packers evaluations of their quarterbacks
Related: NFL insider says Green Bay Packers ‘disgusted’ by Aaron Rodgers
While Green Bay has publicly left the door open for Rodgers to return in 2023, reporting this offseason indicates that’s not necessarily the case. The Packers would seemingly prefer Rodgers asks for a trade, freeing them to move him and reset the roster for a long-term rebuild.
A decision from the four-time NFL MVP isn’t imminent. The 39-year-old quarterback is taking a four-day darkness retreat followed by a vacation, then he is expected to reveal his plans for the upcoming season.
- Jordan Love contract: $3.94 million cap hit (2023), $20.272 million fifth-year option (2024)
While the Packers would clearly prefer he requests to play elsewhere, the reports about their confidence in Love seem to suggest the organization would also accept Rodgers retiring. With either outcome, Green Bay is ready to start Love in 2023.
Related: Former NFL star says Aaron Rodgers too sensitive for New York