The Green Bay Packers faced plenty of skepticism when they traded up to select quarterback Jordan Love with the 26th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, with the move also causing a rift with Aaron Rodgers. Three years later, the decision might finally be rewarded.
Things didn’t look promising for Love early. He entered the league in the season impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, a majority of offseason practices were wiped out with players not allowed to report until training camp. The rookie ultimately spent the entire season as the third-string quarterback in Green Bay.
- Jordan Love career stats: 606 passing yards, 3-3 TD-INT, 79.7 QB rating, 60.2% completion
Things didn’t get any better in his second NFL season. Reports surfaced in May 2021 that the Packers lost confidence in Love a year after drafting him. While he was negatively impacted by the absence of practice reps to develop, the limited moments he had left a lot to be desired.
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While he had some positive moments in practice, Love lacked “wow” plays and his issues raised concerns. Last offseason, as his name floated in trade rumors, new reports surfaced regarding Green Bay’s increasing disbelief that Love could be their long-term starter.
It led to the Packers signing Rodgers to a three-year contract extension, sacrificing long-term cap space to go all-in on their future Hall of Famer. As Rodgers regressed on the field, though, Love reportedly boosted his reputation. Now, there is a lot of confidence he is ready to start.
Appearing on the Go Long TD podcast, Packers’ reporter Bob McGinn said he expects Love to be the starting quarterback next year with the franchise completely sold on him.
“On the other hand, they love Jordan Love. They think he is the second coming now. They’ve seen enough in practice for three years, that they believe he is Rodgers 2.0. That’s where this organization is coming from right now.”
NFL reporter Bob McGinn on the Go Long TD podcast regarding Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love
Amid increasing reports that the Packers are out on Rodgers, prepared to move on from the four-time NFL MVP, the stage is seemingly set for Love to take over. After spending three seasons on the bench, gaining a deep understanding of Matt LaFleur’s scheme, the 24-year-old quarterback seems ready to take over as the Packers’ franchise quarterback.
Love would be walking into a good situation as the starter next season. The Packers are retaining Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones and All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari will be back, ensuring Green Bay boasts one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
- Jordan Love contract: $3.94 million cap hit (2023), $20.272 million fifth-year option (2024)
With continued growth from wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, the Packers’ offense offers a strong support system for a quarterback in his first season as the starter.
Based on the reporting, it seems inevitable that the Packers will exercise the fifth-year option on Love. While it’s a risk to fully guarantee $20.272 million in 2204 for a quarterback with 83 career pass attempts in three seasons, it’s evident the franchise is sold on their next starter.
