Packers' Brian Gutekunst provides important update on Jordan Love contract extension

It's not if, but when the Green Bay Packers work out a contract extension with quarterback Jordan Love.

No deal can officially be agreed until May—the Packers have to wait a year after signing him to a short-term extension last offseason—but it's coming.

Love dominated in the second half of last season, throwing 18 touchdowns to one interception in a 6-2 stretch before producing an all-time playoff performance to help the Packers shock the Dallas Cowboys. It provided Green Bay with enough proof that it had found its long-term answer at the quarterback position.

General manager Brian Gutekunst left no doubt that an extension is on the way.

Packers GM says there have been 'preliminary discussions' about new Jordan Love deal

Gutekunst spoke to reporters at the NFL's Annual League Meeting, providing an update on Love's upcoming extension.

"There's been some preliminary discussions, but we want to do it the right way," said Gutekunst. "Certainly, the sooner, the better, but at the same time, we want to make sure we do it the right way. We've started, but it's not something that's going to go quickly. It will take some time."

Translation: A deal will happen, but we still have over a month to figure it out.

ESPN's Adam Schefter predicted the Packers will make Love one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. While some view it as a risk, as Love has only completed one season as a starter, Gutekunst doesn't share those concerns.

"The nice thing about having a guy in your building four years is you absolutely know who he is," said Gutekunst, per Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

It's in everyone's best interest to get it done sooner rather than later. The Packers have to wait until May, but the hope is that they can quickly finalize a deal by then and not let things drag out into the summer.

Love is the Packers' future. He proved he can become one of the league's best quarterbacks, and in the months ahead, he'll have a contract to back it up.

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