via Imago
Image Credits: IMAGO
via Imago
Image Credits: IMAGO
Another offseason, another quarterbacks rain show! Not of touchdowns, but of money. After the Dolphins tied QB Tua Tagovailoa to a 4-year contract extension, worth $212.4 million, the Packers have thrown a Hail Mary of their own. Jordan Love was put on a pedestal with his new 4-year extension worth a record-highest $220 million. One that the Gang Green GM believes his QB has “earned“!
Speaking in the press conference, live at the podium on 27th July, Brian Gutekunst hailed his quarterback. “How (Jordan Love) handled this past year, becoming the guy and handling that pressure, coming out the other side of it gave us a lot of confidence that this is the guy that’s going to lead us into the future. I am really excited about that,” Brian said. It’s like a quarterback sneak—Love has taken his shot and hit gold.
#Packers GM Brian Gutekunst this morning. “How (Jordan Love) handled this past year, becoming the guy and handling that pressure, coming out the other side of it gave us a lot of confidence that this is the guy that’s going to lead us into the future.“ https://t.co/SdCVYAFGfB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 27, 2024
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think Jordan Love can fill Aaron Rodgers' shoes as the Packers' leader?
Absolutely
No way
Too early to tell
Only time will tell
Do you think Coach Prime was justified in calling out Deion Sanders Jr. in front of his brothers?
Absolutely
No way
Depends on the context
Not sure
Whats your Perspective on:
Is Jordan Love really the future of the Packers, or is this a risky gamble by Gutekunst?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Shedeur Sanders will surpass Jordan Love's $22 million contract?
Absolutely
No way
Too early to tell
Only if he keeps improving
How do you feel about Lincoln Riley celebrating USC's historic record virtually?
Excited
Indifferent
Disappointed
Angry
It seems like missing the training camp since it started on July 24th has worked wonders for Love. He’s now inked a four-year, $220 million deal, with a $75 million signing bonus and $155 million in guarantees. Talk about a touchdown contract!
Meanwhile, Brian saw the need for top-of-market money to extend Jordan Love, as confirmed by USA Today’s Packers beat writer Ryan Wood. Like a quarterback reading the defense, Brian read the writing on the wall. The report highlighted that the GM kept other off-season extensions in mind. Mainly, the three of the biggest market-shifters.
- Trevor Lawrence’s five-year, $275 million deal with the Jaguars.
- Jared Goff‘s four-year, $212 million worth extension, with $170 million guaranteed from the Lions.
- And, of course, Tua’s colossal contract with the Phins, turning heads across the league.
So, these extensions were like game tapes confirming what Brian already knew – Love’s extension would be a Hail Mary pass worth $55M per year. But Brian isn’t the only one on board; the head coach is jumping on the train as well!
Jordan Love’s contract extension is “awesome”, per Matt LaFleur
Speaking in the press conference, Matt LaFleur echoed GM’s words. When asked about Jordan Love’s journey since being drafted in 2020 and his new extension, LaFleur’s response was enough to tell you that he will back Love to the end.
“It’s awesome [to see him get an extension]. Especially with the progress that he has made,” LaFleur said with a grin on his face. He then took a trip down memory lane, recalling Love’s first NFL start on November 7, 2021, against the Kansas City Chiefs. With Aaron Rodgers sidelined due to COVID-19, Love stepped in but the game ended in a 13-7 loss. Although Coach LaFleur noted that it did not go how anyone planned it, since they lost 13-7, but he saw consistency and incremental improvements to Love’s game. Lastly, the head coach lauded jersey number 10 as a warrior, saying Love “never gets phased, always keeps fighting,” and this is the reason “we’re talking about him today.”
However, there’s still a big question that lingers. Is Jordan Love worth that hefty contract after just one season as a starter? Let’s compare his stats with the legendary A-Rod and see if this big bet is a touchdown or a fumble.
| Yards covered | Interceptions | Touchdowns | |
| Aaron Rodgers in 2008 (first season as starter) | 4,038 | 13 | 28 |
| Aaron Rodgers in 2021 (last MVP season) | 4,115 | 4 | 37 |
| Jordan Love in 2023 (first season as starter) | 4,159 | 11 | 32 |
With 32 touchdowns, Jordan Love didn’t just follow the playbook; he wrote his own. Outpacing Rodgers’ 2008 yardage, he’s primed to deliver big play! Sure, 11 interceptions are part of the learning curve—like taking hits while learning to read defenses. But what counts is Love’s growth. He’s proving he can handle the heat and show he’s worth that $55M contract. Or as Coach LaFluer said, “It’s hard to argue anybody played better in the back half of the season last year.”
As for Love’s MVP shouts. There is still some turf to cover before reaching Rodgers’ heights. But he is on the right track! ESPN analyst Chris Carlin also noted the same, on July 4th, as he named Love a top dark horse for the 2024 MVP. “No. 1 is an easy one for me. It’s a layup: Jordan Love. In the last 8 regular-season games, 18 touchdowns and just one interception.”
And so, as the ink dries on Jordan Love’s record-breaking $220 million deal. The Gang Green is wondering if he can live up to the hefty price tag. The stakes are high. But the next season will reveal if this big bet on Love turns into a game-winning touchdown or a costly turnover.
Debate
Is Jordan Love really the future of the Packers, or is this a risky gamble by Gutekunst?