Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is playing at an MVP-caliber level once again and with the two sides in a good place, a Jordan Love trade this offseason feels increasingly possible.
Love, the 26th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is part of the reason for this summer’s disconnect between Rodgers and the franchise. The reigning NFL MVP didn’t believe the franchise was committed to him and expressed some concerns. But a fractured relationship seems to be improving and if Green Bay is willing to stick by Rodgers in 2022 and beyond, his backup could be moved this spring.
With that in mind, let’s examine a few potential Jordan Love trade landing spots.
Houston Texans roll the dice on young quarterback
There isn’t a quarterback worth taking No. 1 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Texans certainly aren’t going to reach for one, considering this is the worst roster in the NFL. So, general manager Nick Caserio can explore the trade market for another talented, young quarterback to roll the dice on. Love, whose physical gifts would make him one of the most talented passers in the current class, fits the bill.
- Green Bay Packers receive: Brandin Cooks, HOU 2023 conditional fourth-round pick
- Houston Texans receive: Jordan Love
Houston also has an asset that would make Rodgers happy. While Brandin Cooks stats are down this year, it’s entirely a result of pedestrian quarterback play. Working opposite Davante Adams, likely to receive a contract extension, Green Bay would gain a future draft pick and its offense becomes even stronger.
New York Giants create competition for Daniel Jones
The New York Giants will be bringing in a new general manager in 2022 and they won’t give Daniel Jones the same leash Dave Gettleman did. There’s no doubt Jones, the 6th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, will be favored to start. But New York needs someone who can challenge him and potentially even become the Giants’ long-term quarterback.
- New York Giants trade: Darius Slayton, 2022 third-round pick, 2023 fifth-round pick
- Green Bay Packers trade: Jordan Love, 2023 sixth-round pick
After consecutive seasons with 700-plus receiving yards, Darius Slayton fell out of favor in New York. He’ll be an expendable piece this offseason and could intrigue Green Bay as a bargain talent to buy low on. Adding him into the mix along with an early third-round pick, can help fill out the roster around Rodgers for the next three seasons.
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Packers, Atlanta Falcons recreate NFL history
On Feb. 11, 1992, the Packers traded its first-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for a young quarterback named Brett Favre. As they say, the rest is history. Atlanta could stick with Matt Ryan as its starter in 2022, but the front office needs to find someone to develop behind him. Love could spend the 2022 season learning Arthur Smith’s scheme and then take over the following season or potentially he thrives in training camp and forces a Ryan trade.
- Green Bay Packers acquire: Falcons’ 2022 third-round pick, 2023 third-round pick
- Atlanta Falcons acquire: Jordan Love
Green Bay could push for Atlanta’s 2022 second-round pick, but Love already burning through the first two years of his rookie contract impacts his value. The return from Atlanta allows the Packers to take more swipes in deep NFL Draft classes, addressing long-term needs like wide receiver and edge rusher.
Jordan Love traded to New Orleans Saints
While the Packers drafted Love, he also received plenty of interest from the New Orleans Saints in 2020 and he had a virtual meeting with the franchise. New Orleans could grab a quarterback with its top-15 pick in 2022, but there’s a better argument for using that selection on another position of need.
- New Orleans Saints trade: Texans’ 2022 third-round pick, 2022 fifth-round pick, 2023 fourth-round pick
- Green Bay Packers trade: Jordan Love
Love might not bring Taysom Hill‘s level of athleticism, but he is a superior passer and is still fully capable of executing RPOs. He’s already spent two seasons learning from Rodgers and Matt LaFleur, development time that could prove very valuable. Love’s upside is undeniable and if Payton can get the most out of him, there are also important salary=cap benefits for the Saints.
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