Packers insider reveals potential deadline for Jordan Love contract extension
A year has passed since the Green Bay Packers and Jordan Love agreed to a one-year extension that replaced the fifth-year option, which means Love is eligible for another extension.
The former first-round pick is going to get paid this offseason. The question is, when?
General manager Brian Gutekunst said they want to "do it the right way." That said, the Packers won't want negotiations dragging out over the summer as the season nears. Getting it done sooner rather than later works best for everyone involved.
Both sides will want to get a deal over the line. The Packers don't want their franchise quarterback getting closer to free agency, and Love wants the long-term security that comes with a new deal.
Packers insider makes prediction about Jordan Love's contract extension
On Monday, The Athletic's Matt Schneidman was a guest on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams, and he revealed a potential deadline for the Love contract negotiations.
"I would be surprised if Jordan Love plays in a game, or maybe even a joint practice, without a new contract," said Schneidman. "David Mulugheta, who has a bunch of high-profile clients, is his agent, and I'd imagine that he's advising Jordan not to play in any games before has that long-term security."
That makes sense. Dragging out negotiations into training camp or beyond doesn't help anyone. It would add an unnecessary distraction to camp as the Packers prepare for an important season.
How much will Love earn? Schneidman predicts his new deal will near $50 million per year.
"He's going to get paid. That's the price of doing business in the NFL," said Schneidman. "He looks like their franchise quarterback. They think he can be their franchise quarterback."
Love especially looked like Green Bay's franchise quarterback in the final eight regular-season games, throwing for 2,150 yards, 18 touchdowns, and one interception, with the Packers going 6-2 in that stretch. He added 466 yards and five touchdowns with two picks in playoff games against the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers.
The Packers can sign Love to an extension anytime. While it doesn't sound like anything is imminent, we can likely expect a deal done before the season starts.