Green Bay, Wisconsin — Packers and Jordan Love He may be close to agreeing to a contract extension, but until that is done, the starting quarterback won’t take part in preseason practices or games this season.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Monday, just before the team’s first practice of training camp, that Love’s agent communicated the plans to him Saturday night before the deal was finalized.
“We completely understand his perspective,” Gutekunst said.
Love reported to training camp on time and participated in non-practice meetings and other training camp activities. He had previously attended the team’s entire offseason program and mandatory minicamp in June to fulfill requirements for a $500,000 training bonus.
Asked if the extension could be completed within the next few days, Gutekunst replied, “I think so. But you never know what’s going to happen. We’re working hard to make that happen. At the same time, I’m sure that’s what we want.”
The Packers don’t plan to add another quarterback anytime soon. Coach Matt LaFleur is looking to hire the second-year pro. Sean Clifford He’ll take the first snaps with the starters, but practices will be split 50-50 between Clifford and the rookies. Michael PrattLaFleur is a former NFL quarterback. Sean MannionHe was hired as an assistant coach this offseason and will help with pitching during drills.
When asked how long the team can maintain this trajectory without adding a third quarterback, LaFleur said, “That’s a good question. Obviously, we’re hopeful we can get something done as soon as possible down the road, but it’s something we’ll have to adjust as we go.”
LaFleur said he isn’t immediately worried about losing the momentum Love and the offense built over the offseason and into last season.
“I know how he prepares,” LaFleur said, “so I’m not too worried about that.”
Without a new contract, Love would have made just $11 million this season, the final year of the mini-extension he signed last May. That deal added a year, the 2024 season, to his rookie contract in lieu of the team exercising the fifth-year option on that contract. At the time, Green Bay paid Love an $8,788,655 signing-on bonus. His base salary last season was $1.01 million.
Love now has one of the richest contracts in the league and is likely to join the $50 million club. Recent quarterback contracts include: Trevor Lawrenceof Jacksonville Jaguars The deal was announced in June. It’s a five-year, $275 million contract, with $200 million guaranteed. Lawrence will receive $55 million per year. Cincinnati Bengals‘ Joe Burrow They have the highest average salary in the league.
Love threw for 4,159 yards with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season. He is one of just four quarterbacks in the class of 2023 who rank in the top 10 in touchdown passes. Dallas Cowboys‘ Dak Prescott), passing yards (7th) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (7th).
He started all 17 games and after a 2-5 start, the Packers went 9-8 and advanced to the playoffs. Love threw three touchdowns and zero interceptions to lead the team to a wild-card win over the Dallas Cowboys, but the Packers were eliminated in the divisional round. San Francisco 49ersThe final drive ended with an interception by Love.
