Contract Talk Looms Over Jordan Love And The Packers
Love led the Packers to a 6-2 record over the final eight weeks of the 2023 season
Kate Constable - Jul 23, 2024, 10:34am EDT
Quarterback Controversy in Green Bay
When the Green Bay Packers reported to training camp this week, they were without a familiar face. Jordan Love's agent informed the Packers that the quarterback won't practice until the two parties agree on a contract extension. As of now, he's set to play on a one-year deal worth up to $22.5 million for the 2024 season, but he's searching for a long-term extension with the organization.
Love had a breakout year last season, throwing for 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns. He led the Packers to a 6-2 record to finish the season and, in the process, looked like arguably the best quarterback in the league. He also took Green Bay to the NFC divisional round, where their season ended at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is confident that a deal will be worked out within the next few days, but until then, Love won't be taking the field. However, the QB did report to training camp and is taking part in all off-field activities with the team. He also reported to Green Bay's mandatory minicamp back in June and participated in the entire program.
By sitting out of training camp practices, Love will avoid any injury that might derail the current contract negotiations, which could make him the highest-paid quarterback in the league. Detroit quarterback Jared Goff recently signed a deal with the Lions that will earn him $53 million per year. Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence just inked an even larger deal with the Jaguars worth $55 million per year. While it’s hard to say exactly what Love’s contract will look like, reports suggest it’ll be somewhere along the lines of a four-year, $280 million extension.
Futures Odds
Right now, the Packers are 16/1 to win the Super Bowl and +750 to win the NFC on BetMGM. Super Bowl expectations aren't necessarily a stretch for Green Bay, but there are other teams I'd prefer to put my money on in that market.
However, as long as Love is on the field, I think the Packers can compete with the Lions for the NFC North division title, especially if their offense performs the way it did in the second half of last season. Detroit is a slight favorite at +130, with Green Bay not far behind at +200.
I also like Love to go over his passing yards and touchdown props of 3,900.5 yards and 27.5 TD's. He finished with 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns last season, much of which came in the second half of the season. He has more familiarity with his young receiving corps, which was able to gain valuable experience in big-time games last year, and the offensive line should take another step forward this year. It was a top-10 pass-blocking unit in 2023, and although Green Bay lost veteran David Bakhtiari in the offseason, they added depth on the offensive line through the draft.
The ceiling is high in a number of areas for the Packers this season, but to have success, they'll have to make sure their franchise quarterback is on the field!
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