Jordan Love in Talks for Major Contract Extension with Packers
Jordan Love's Contract Extension Talks with the Packers
As the Green Bay Packers look ahead to solidifying their roster for future seasons, all eyes are on Jordan Love, their starting quarterback who has shown remarkable progress. The team is expected to engage in discussions regarding a significant contract extension for Love, whose performance has not only led the Packers to the playoffs but also earned him the title of "Breakout Player of The Year" for 2023.
Impressive Season Leads to Contract Talks
Love's journey with the Packers began when he was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Since then, his trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. In the 2023 season, Love threw 32 touchdown passes and surpassed 4,000 passing yards, joining an elite group as only the third first-year starter to reach these benchmarks. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade ranked 12th for the season, further cementing his status as a quarterback on the rise.
The latter part of the season saw Love making 25 "big-time throws," a statistic second only to Dak Prescott from Week 9 onwards. He also demonstrated exceptional control by throwing 21 touchdown passes with a mere three interceptions during this period. The Packers finished strong with a 6-2 record, securing a playoff spot as the No. 7 seed largely due to Love's contributions.
In one of the most notable performances of the year, Love dismantled the Dallas Cowboys' defense, throwing three touchdown passes and achieving a near-perfect passer rating. Although the Packers' playoff run ended with a loss to San Francisco in the NFC Divisional Round, Love's individual success has prompted conversations about his future with the franchise.
The Financials of a Potential Extension
Initially signing a two-year contract in May 2020, Love agreed to a one-year extension in May 2023 worth $22.5 million. Currently, he is under contract through 2024 with an annual salary of $11 million. However, given his recent achievements, which include meeting several incentives like a top-10 finish in passing touchdowns and securing a playoff victory, there is speculation that the forthcoming negotiations may yield a much more lucrative deal.
To put things into perspective, to be considered among the top-10 average salaries for quarterbacks, Love would need an additional $40 million per year. And if the Packers aim to elevate his pay to the top five, the cost could soar to $49 million annually or even higher.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport has shed light on the situation, stating, "My understanding is that, as he enters the final year of his contract, again, the Packers and Love representation are expected to address this." Rapoport also hinted at the possibility of a hefty contract extension reflective of Love's status as a franchise quarterback, especially considering his playoff performance, saying, "This coming spring, do not be surprised if he does get that massive, franchise quarterback-type contract extension, and the further he goes in the playoffs, the richer he is going to be."
Looking Ahead
Despite the anticipation surrounding Love's potential extension, official signing cannot take place until May, adhering to the stipulation that a year must pass following his last contract agreement. This delay provides both parties ample time to consider their positions and negotiate terms that reflect Love's value to the team and his potential to lead them to greater successes in the future.
The Packers have a history of nurturing talent and creating legacies with their quarterbacks. As Jordan Love continues to develop and prove his worth on the field, it seems increasingly likely that Green Bay will commit to him as their leader for years to come. With the support of his representatives and the Packers' front office set to discuss his contract, the stage is set for Love to secure his place among the ranks of highly-valued quarterbacks in the league.
