Jordan Love appeared in street clothes as he joined coach Matt LaFleur on the field before the Green Bay Packers’ first training camp session on Monday.
According to general manager Brian Gutekunst, Love will not be participating in practices until negotiations for a contract extension are resolved. Gutekunst mentioned that Love reported to camp last week but will not be working out until a deal is reached. Love’s current contract is set to expire at the end of this season.
“We understand his position,” Gutekunst explained. “We want him out there. He needs to practice and work with his teammates. But until we resolve the contract situation, he will not be practicing.”
Despite this, Gutekunst expressed optimism that an agreement between the Packers and Love could be reached soon. He acknowledged that Love is participating in all other team activities.
“Yeah, I believe so,” Gutekunst responded when asked about the likelihood of a deal. “We’re working hard to make that happen. It’s important for both sides. … What gives me confidence is that we both share the same goal.”
Coach LaFleur remains calm about the situation.
“This is part of our game and business, but we’re confident he’ll be back on the field sooner rather than later,” LaFleur said. “I know his preparation, so I’m not overly concerned. He’ll do everything possible to stay mentally sharp. Of course, the physical practice reps are crucial.”
Love’s decision meant the Packers began training camp with Sean Clifford and rookie seventh-round pick Michael Pratt as their only quarterbacks.
“During OTAs, Jordan was here all the time,” Clifford noted. “He’s been working hard all summer. Everyone knows that. No one questions his work ethic. I came in at 7 AM and his bag was already there. He’s here early, stays late, does all the little things. So the players aren’t worried.”
In May 2023, the Packers signed Love to a one-year extension with $13.5 million guaranteed and another $9 million in incentives. This extension allowed the Packers to assess Love in his first season as a starter after Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets, leading the league’s youngest team to a 10-9 record and an NFC divisional playoff berth.
While the Packers and Love have worked on a contract extension this offseason, other quarterbacks have signed lucrative deals. Detroit’s Jared Goff secured a four-year, $212 million extension with $170 million guaranteed, while Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence agreed to a five-year, $275 million extension with $142 million guaranteed.
“We’ll fully support him, just as he supports us,” receiver Christian Watson said. “He deserves every cent he gets — and more. I’m happy for him, and hopefully, he gets what he wants so we can get things rolling.”
At 25 years old, Love completed 64.2% of his passes for 4,159 yards with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season, showing significant improvement as the season progressed.
He threw 21 touchdown passes with only one interception in a nine-game stretch that included a 48-32 upset win over the Dallas Cowboys in a wild-card playoff game. However, Love threw two interceptions in the second half of a 24-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers the following week.
Gutekunst mentioned he hadn’t focused much on the possibility of Love missing practices this spring, but acknowledged the risk involved if a player isn’t fully ready to participate. He praised Love for his openness during negotiations.
“This is just part of the process, not unexpected,” Gutekunst noted. “We’ll work to resolve it, and hopefully he won’t miss too much time.”
While Love waits for a new contract, defensive tackle Kenny Clark signed a three-year extension through the 2027 season on Sunday. Clark, a three-time Pro Bowler, was entering the final year of his 2020 contract extension.
“I appreciate the trust everyone has shown in me,” Clark commented. “It shows how consistent I’ve been and how dedicated I am to my preparation and performance. I’ll stay focused on the game and helping our team reach the Super Bowl — that’s our goal.”
