Packers risk becoming the Cowboys after worrying Jordan Love contract update
The Dallas Cowboys made a complete mess of their "all-in" offseason and still haven't paid franchise quarterback Dak Prescott. It's a decision that could come back to haunt them, and the Green Bay Packers are taking a similar risk with Jordan Love.
It's not if Love signs a new deal, it's when. Except the when part of that equation keeps getting pushed back.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst made it clear he wanted to have Love's contract extension finalized in time for training camp. Gutekunst's unofficial deadline made sense as it would eliminate any distractions over Love's future.
Last week, Love's team shut down an interview the moment the topic of his Packers future came up. There will be no dodging questions when he speaks to the media at training camp.
Getting the deal done before then is in everyone's best interest.
However, any hopes of it happening before training camp appear to be fading, and the Packers risk making the same mistake as the Cowboys.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says Packers aren't close to a deal with Jordan Love
With veterans reporting for training camp this weekend and the team practicing for the first time on Monday, the hope was for a positive update regarding Love's contract. However, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler provided the opposite on SportsCenter.
"The Packers and Love have had some discussions," said Fowler. "I'm told the vibes right now are positive, but there hasn't been a lot of production as far as getting close to a deal."
- ESPN's Jeremy Fowler
Wait, what? They're still not close to a deal?
Fowler says Gutekunst "wants to get this done" and that conversations will continue at the start of training camp.
It's hardly time to panic. Yes, Love is entering a contract year, but a new deal will happen. But there has to be at least some concern over the progress. Back in March, Gutekunst said that negotiations were underway. Four months later, and they're still not close? The Packers know the quarterback market and want Love to stay in Green Bay long-term, so what's the holdup?
They don't want Love's future to become a distraction by making the same mistake as the Cowboys with Prescott. Both quarterbacks are due an extension.
If Love hasn't signed a new deal by the time he next speaks to the media, we know what every question will be about. The Packers need to get it over the line as soon as possible.