Arguments for and against the Packers granting Jordan Love a contract extension now

About a month ago, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love expressed optimism that the two sides would agree to a contract extension before training camp, but virtually nothing has changed since then.

Love still doesn’t have the long-term security he’s looking for. The Packers haven’t established him as their playmaker and paid him a huge paycheck. But what’s the problem?

Several gunslingers have received lucrative commitments from their respective teams, including Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield. Will Love join that group? Or will the Packers take the risk of letting him play out the final year of his current contract?

Today we will argue for and against the Packers signing Love to a new contract at this time.

Does Green Bay want to jeopardize its relationship with Love? Failure to meet his demands now could tarnish the 25-year-old’s perception of the Packers. And at the same time, what message would that send to other free agents in the NFL who are considering whether to join the organization?

Optics aside, Love’s play on the field in 2023 justifies a raise – especially given his positional market value. He threw for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, along with 50 carries for 247 yards and four touchdowns by the run. Those are top-tier numbers for anyone, which makes it even more impressive what the 2020 first-round pick did in his first season as a full-time starter.

As mentioned, Lawrence, Goff and Mayfield were compensated for their performances last season. Love has a good chance of being the best of the bunch, although he was arguably in the toughest situation.

Green Bay was the youngest football team last year, and the youth movement could continue in 2024. Regardless, Love led the talented, if inexperienced, team to an appearance in the NFC Divisional Round.

Entering his age-26 season, the Packers were able to bet on his continued development and ascension because of Love’s track record and draft pedigree.

At this point, Love’s limited playing time at quarterback could keep the Packers from extending his contract. Yes, he’s certainly shown what he’s capable of. But has he done it long enough to justify Green Bay spending the $50 million-plus required to sign him?

Additionally, the verdict in the recent NFL Sunday Ticket lawsuit may prompt the Packers to exercise patience with Love. The case ended with a jury ordering the league to pay over $4 billion and up to $12 billion in damages. Unfortunately, this will certainly have a negative impact on the salary cap in the future.

Or who would be the Packers’ quarterback if not Love? While both scenarios are viable, replacing him is easier said than done. Still, it will be interesting to see how it all plays out in due course.