The Green Bay Packers began their training camp on Monday, but starting quarterback Jordan Love is notably absent from the field. His absence is not due to illness or injury but is instead related to his desire for a new contract extension. Love has made it clear that he will not participate in any practices until a new deal is in place.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst addressed the media on Monday morning, revealing that Love’s agent had informed the team of this decision on Saturday. While Gutekunst expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, he also acknowledged that negotiations for such significant contracts can be unpredictable and time-consuming.
Despite the ongoing contract discussions, Gutekunst reassured fans that he believes the negotiations are progressing well. He indicated that a deal could potentially be finalized in the near future, though he also emphasized the inherent uncertainty in these negotiations. This sentiment was echoed by Dianna Russini of The Athletic, who confirmed that both parties seem to be moving closer to an agreement.
While awaiting the contract resolution, Love has kept himself occupied. Recently, he was involved in a youth football camp in Milwaukee, where he engaged with over 600 kids, showcasing his commitment to the community and his new home state of Wisconsin.
Last season, Love had a notable performance, throwing for 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns with a 64.2% completion rate. His efforts contributed to the Packers’ 9-8 record and a second-place finish in the NFC North, underscoring his value to the team and the importance of securing his new contract.