Aaron Rodgers Precedent to Help Jordan Love Leapfrog Jets QB Following Packers’ Successor’s Optimistic Update

Back in 2008, on Halloween, Aaron Rodgers received his first candy from the Green Bay Packers! The team rewarded their first-time starting quarterback with a five-year contract extension. That wasn’t just an extension. It was a new beginning of an era, and now a benchmark for A-Rod’s successor.

When Rodgers signed this deal worth $12.704 million per year, he became the NFL’s fourth- or fifth-highest-paid player. By that time, he was just two months into his first season, having played just seven games. Now, his successor, Jordan Love, is somewhat on the same page, seeking an extension. So, the question is: Will Love get a similar benefit like A-Rod after his 17 games in the successful 2023 season? Or, will the new Packers QB leapfrog the now Jets QB? When will Love get his contract extension?

Jordan Love is optimistic!

Jordan Love is entering the final year of his current deal. As of a week ago, GM Brian Gutekunst informed that his team wants to extend Love before the start of training camp, and the quarterback is feeling optimistic. In an interview with media on Tuesday, Love affirmed that the negotiations should increase after Thursday’s mandatory minicamp. The 25-year-old expressed, “Yeah I think they should.” He further agreed to the news of his extension before training camp, revealing his optimistic side. “Yes. That’s what I’ve heard. … I like being in the mix [knowing how contract negotiations are going]. That’s that.” But how much will he receive?

The Packers previously paid Aaron Rodgers $50,271,667 per year, making him the first NFL player to earn $50 million annually. This context suggests that Jordan Love’s reps might aim to surpass A-Rod’s deal or at least make him one of the league’s highest-paid players. Now, you must be thinking the Packers will probably argue against this. They could highlight that Rodgers earned his deal after consecutive MVP seasons, whereas Love is just starting. So, let stats answer – Love’s performance, especially in the latter part of the 2023 season, strengthens his case.

He had impressive stats, “completing 70.3% of his passes for 2,150 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just one interception.” Whereas, Rodgers in his first full season with the team, had “63.6% completion, 4,038 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions” stats. However, it’s the playoff appearance and game wins that ultimately makes a difference between the two. Under Rodgers, the Packers finished with a 6-10 record and missed the playoffs, while under Jordan, the team clinched a playoff berth with 6-2 record.

Considering the precedent set with a young Rodgers, the Packers might make Love the fourth or fifth-highest paid player in the NFL, potentially offering him $48.5 million to $49 million per year, or even more. So, be it Love gaining less or more, the Green Gang is going to extend him anyway, as hinted by Gutekunst.

The money talk is still on!

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst indicated that preliminary contract discussions with Love have begun and expressed a desire to finalize a deal before training camp starting in July. In an interview with Cheesehead TV on Tuesday, Gutekunst said, “I would love to have it done a couple weeks ago, that would be great. To have stability at quarterback, particularly with Jordan, would be something that is good for the organization, good for our team.”

He continued, “I think I’m optimistic because I think both we want Jordan here, and Jordan wants to be here. There’s a desire on both sides to get something done. Would love to have it done before training camp, I think that would be ideal. Whether or not that happens, we’ll see how it goes.”

The Packers have a history of announcing new deals for star players at the start of the training camp. And Gutekunst hopes to continue this tradition with Love’s contract. While the deal isn’t finalized yet, the strong relationship between the Packers’ front office and Love’s reps is a positive sign.