Jordan Love Poised for a Hefty Extension with the Packers
As the Green Bay Packers look ahead, quarterback Jordan Love is at the forefront of their plans. Following a season where he was crowned "Breakout Player of The Year" for 2023, Love's representatives and the Packers are set to engage in discussions that could lead to a significant contract extension for the young quarterback.
Love, who was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Packers, has quickly ascended to a leadership role within the team. His impressive performance last season, which included leading the Packers to the playoffs, has set the stage for what could be a highly rewarding negotiation.
In May 2020, Love signed a two-year deal with the team, which he extended for an additional year in May 2023 at $22.5 million. Under his current contract, Love will earn $11 million through 2024. However, given his recent accolades and performance metrics, the upcoming negotiations may secure him a much more lucrative deal beyond 2024.
Setting the Market Value
For Love to rank among the top-10 quarterbacks in terms of average salary, it would require a substantial raise, potentially an additional $40 million per year. Should the Packers aim to place him within the top five highest-paid quarterbacks, the figure could soar to $49 million annually or even higher.
The official signing of any extension cannot take place until May, adhering to the one-year waiting period after his last contract signing. Nevertheless, the anticipation builds as both sides prepare to enter talks that could make Love one of the highest-paid players in the league.
A Season of Achievements
Love's performance during the 2023 season speaks volumes about his value to the team. Not only did he lead the Packers into the playoffs, but he also met several incentives laid out in his contract. These included finishing in the top-10 for passing touchdowns and securing a playoff victory.
With 32 touchdown passes and over 4,000 passing yards, Love joined an elite group of quarterbacks, becoming just the third first-year starter to hit such benchmarks. His prowess on the field was further highlighted by his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade, which ranked him 12th overall for the season.
From Week 9 onward, Love demonstrated remarkable skill with 25 "big-time throws," a statistic second only to Dak Prescott. He ended this period with 21 touchdown passes and a mere three interceptions, showcasing not only his ability to find the end zone but also his precision and care with the football. The Packers' strong finish at 6-2 under Love's guidance secured them a playoff spot as the No. 7 seed.
One of Love's standout performances came against the Dallas Cowboys, where he threw three touchdown passes and achieved a near-perfect passer rating. Despite their eventual loss to San Francisco in the NFC Divisional Round, Love's contributions throughout the season have solidified his position as a key player for the Packers moving forward.
Industry Expectations
Insiders like Ian Rapoport have weighed in on the situation, highlighting the importance of the upcoming negotiations. "My understanding is that, as he enters the final year of his contract, again, the Packers and Love representation are expected to address this," stated Rapoport. He also added, "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."
These comments underscore the widespread belief that Love's future with the Packers is not only bright but potentially very profitable. As both sides prepare to sit down at the negotiating table, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see just how much the Packers value their breakout star.
With his track record of success, particularly in the latter half of the 2023 season, Jordan Love has made a compelling case for himself. It appears the question is not if but rather how much his contract extension will reflect his ascent as one of the promising quarterbacks in the National Football League.