While waiting for Aaron Rodgers to shed light on his future plans, the Green Bay Packers learned the cost of keeping backup Jordan Love on his fifth-year option.
On Wednesday, the league finalized rates for the fifth-year option available for NFL teams to retain 2020 first-round picks as an extension of their original four-year deals signed following the draft.
Love’s salary would be $20.27 million in 2024, which is based on the average of the third- through 25th-highest salaries among quarterbacks. Green Bay has until May 1 to pick up the option, but general manager Brian Gutekunst said he “wouldn’t say that’s a given.”
If the Packers pick up the option, the salary is fully guaranteed.
Gutekunst made it clear he’s waiting for Rodgers to inform the Packers of his intentions, much like the past two offseasons.
“You’re talking about a four-time MVP, right?” Gutekunst said. “So, we are very excited about Jordan and where he’s at, there’s no doubt about that. But Jordan’s never played a 16-, 17-game season and gone through all that stuff. So, it’s no different than when we moved from Brett (Favre) to Aaron. That’s a hard thing to say but, at the same time where Aaron’s at, the level he’s at, there’s not many teams he wouldn’t give the best chance to win.”
Among the variables the Packers are weighing is where Rodgers stands. He hasn’t decided to play in 2023, and could either opt to return, retire or request a trade.
Rodgers, 39, said Tuesday he’s headed for four days of planned darkness, a solo retreat away from light and noise he believes will promote clarity about his future.
If Rodgers decides to play in 2023 for the Packers, the likelihood of restructuring his contract is strong, he admitted last week.
Without a restructure, Rodgers’ current contract brings a 2024 cap hit of $40.70 million.
Love, 24, has completed 50 passes in two seasons with three touchdowns and three interceptions. The 26th pick in the 2020 draft, Love wasn’t well received by Rodgers, who felt the Packers were passive in communications and addressing his contract at the time.
–Field Level Media