The Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints have enjoyed incredible success with future Hall of Fame quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. Both quarterbacks are still playing at a high level and determined to win a second Super Bowl. However, the Saints and Packers are reportedly showing interest in finding their long-term replacements with a potential top pick.
According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, the Saints and Packers are among seven teams that have already spoken with Jordan Love, who is viewed by many as a potential first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Love, who entered the offseason viewed as a likely second-round pick, elevated his draft stock at the Senior Bowl. As NFL teams got a closer look at Love’s tape and raw skills, his draft stock soared even higher at the NFL Combine.
The 21-year-old is viewed as more of a developmental prospect, needing time to develop his understanding of the game and to clean up his mechanics. However, he also offers incredible upside given his stunning arm strength, impressive athleticism and poise in the pocket.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst hasn’t ruled out using a first-round pick on a quarterback. Rodgers showed signs of decline in his age-36 season and there’s a belief that he’s playing on his last deal with the Packers. Of course, Rodgers has made it clear what will happen if Green Bay drafts a quarterback this year.
While the Saints placed the first-round tender on Taysom Hill and plan to move on from Brees after the 2020 season, Hill still might not be the long-term answer. He’ll already be 30 when the new season begins and he has attempted just 13 passes in his career.
It might still be unlikely that the Packers or Saints spend a first-round pick on Love, but the interest from both teams shows they are at least thinking about a future without their iconic quarterbacks.