Packers News: Important Jordan Love date, Eric Stokes, Stephon Gilmore

A year ago, the Green Bay Packers hedged their bets by giving Jordan Love a one-year extension over picking up his fifth-year option. They added incentives to make it worth more to Love if he performed well while not guaranteeing as much money upfront.

Twelve months later, Love is projected to become one of the league's highest-paid quarterbacks.

The only question remaining is when Love gets paid. It will happen this offseason, and the sooner, the better. In March, general manager Brian Gutekunst said there had been "preliminary discussions" with Love's team.

Even if Love and the Packers had agreed on the terms of the deal back then, they would've had to wait. But the time for waiting is over, and Green Bay is free to extend Love's contract any time.

Important date passes in Jordan Love's contract extension talks with Packers

Remember, the Packers didn't pick up Love's fifth-year option but signed him to a one-year extension. According to league rules, at least one year must pass after signing a contract extension to be able to extend it again.

Well, the year is now over. As of May 3, the Packers and Love can agree to terms of a new long-term extension.

Does it guarantee we'll get an update soon? Not necessarily, but the Packers should aim to get it done before training camp. The last thing they want is even the slightest distraction as they prepare for the regular season. But having had months of discussions, it won't be surprising if a deal gets over the line soon.

Packers turn down Eric Stokes' fifth-year option

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports the Packers are declining Eric Stokes' fifth-year option. It's unsurprising and the correct call.

Had the Packers picked up the option, it would've extended Stokes' contract through the 2025 season, but Green Bay would've committed to $12.47 million fully guaranteed next year. That's too much of a risk to take, considering Stokes' injury history. Declining the option means Stokes will become a free agent at the end of his rookie deal next offseason.

Green Bay still has high hopes for Stokes, but he has missed 22 games over the past two seasons and struggled when available. Per Pro Football Reference, he allowed three touchdown passes and a passer rating of 145.3 in only three games last season.

If he can stay healthy and put together a bounce-back season, the Packers will likely want to sign him to a multi-year deal, but Stokes now enters a prove-it year.

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com names Packers as good fit for Stephon Gilmore

With Stokes and Jaire Alexander struggling to stay healthy, should the Packers consider signing a veteran cornerback to provide depth? Gregg Rosenthal of the Around the NFL Podcast believes so, naming the Packers as a good fit for free agent Stephon Gilmore.

It's a good point. The Packers improved their options at nickel corner in the draft but remain thin on the outside. Stokes has barely played the past two seasons, while Alexander missed significant time in 2021 and 2023. It puts a lot of pressure on Carrington Valentine, a seventh-round pick a year ago.

Gilmore could be a solid short-term option for the Packers, providing depth and experience this season. The five-time Pro Bowler is still playing at a high level. Green Bay has ambitions of competing in the NFC, so strengthening its cornerback depth would make sense.

A top four of Alexander, Stokes, Gilmore, and Valentine would ensure the Packers have plenty of talent and depth while also giving them time for rookie Kalen King to develop in his first season.

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