Former NFL GM believes Jordan Love should play without a new deal in 2024
A new deal for Jordan Love is coming soon, right? Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst set a goal of getting an extension finalized before training camp.
However, that's assuming both sides can agree to terms.
The Packers are in a unique position. They are preparing to make Love one of the league's highest-paid players after only one year as the starter. And it was a season of two halves. Love threw 10 interceptions in the opening nine games but bounced back with 18 touchdowns and just one pick in the following eight.
In the first half of the season, Love struggled for consistency, but he followed it with MVP-level play. Was it enough for the Packers to commit to a deal worth $53-55 million annually?
A former GM believes Love should bet on himself by waiting until next offseason to sign a new deal.
Former GM Mike Tannenbaum thinks Jordan Love should wait for new Packers deal
Former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum appeared on ESPN's Wilde & Tausch show, and he had a surprising take about the Love contract situation. He believes Love and his team should wait on a new deal because the price will only go up over the next season.
"If I was him, I'd play it out this year and walk in and say, 'Hey, I want that number to start with a 6 next year.' Given his age and his ability, I think time's on his side. I don't think if I'm Jordan I'm in any hurry to get a deal done." ~@RealTannenbaum on @WildeAndTausch 😮 https://t.co/GTNhzmHUzD
— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) June 5, 2024
It would be a risky strategy by Love, but it could pay off. If he can build on the second half of last season and take another step forward, a deal similar to Jared Goff's in the $53 million per year range would look like a bargain. With an expiring contract, Love could ask for a market-resetting $60 million per year deal or force the Packers to use the franchise tag.
But it would be a high-risk strategy for Love. If he struggles for consistency or suffers an injury this season, he could end up having to settle for a much lower offer than what's currently on the table.
That's why it makes sense for both sides to get it done now.
Love should land a deal above $50 million annually. It could end up higher than Goff's $53 million salary. That would make the former first-round pick one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Love gets big money and long-term security, and if he continues to play at a Pro Bowl level, it would only be a couple of years before talk of a new deal restarts.
Letting the uncertainty drag out doesn't help anyone. The Packers and Love won't benefit from the added distraction once training camp begins.
That's why we should expect a new deal sooner rather than later.
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