Jordan Love’s contract extension is certain to be finalized shortly.
Following the first minicamp practice on Tuesday, Love, who is often candid in his responses, was brief when speaking about his contract. He has stated unequivocally that he dislikes discussing his next deal. However, when asked if he is optimistic his agreement might be completed before training camp begins on July 22, Love gave a straightforward but perhaps telling “yes.”
Why does he have optimism?
“It’s what I’ve heard,” he said, adding he likes knowing what’s going on with his contract talks.
When a reporter made light of Love’s seeming contempt for talking about his contract predicament, Love remained expressionless and perhaps even concealed a smile (see the video below to find out for yourself).
“By that look, it sounds like maybe you guys are close,” another reporter said.
Love said nothing, but kept the same expression.
Jordan Love on where things stand with his contract extension. pic.twitter.com/pEem2bhGM6
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) June 11, 2024
“Both parties want the same thing,” general manager Brian Gutekunst stated recently on Milwaukee’s 97.3 The Game radio station. “We would like to have this done before training camp, for sure.” Though it seems telling, keep in mind that Gutekunst had already declared at the start of the offseason that he “definitely” expected running back Aaron Jones back, and that he would subsequently ask Jones to accept a significant pay cut, and release him if he refused. It is not exactly apples to apples, though, as this is a franchise quarterback rather than an aging but effective running back.
Despite not having a new contract, Love has taken part in the whole voluntary offseason program. On Tuesday, he rehearsed in preparation for the first day of minicamp. For the Packers, whose young offense hopes to build on its stellar second half of the previous season and challenge for a Super Bowl in 2024, his presence has been vital. Love responded, “It is customary for players seeking to cash in around the league to show up without a new deal,” when asked why he wanted to do so following the first open practice of OTAs.“That’s just something that I’ve always done, trying to be here, get the reps in, get the work in with the guys and just start building that chemistry and getting ready for the season.”
Jordan Love: “Since I’ve been here, I feel like this is the closest the team’s been … I think this team’s at an awesome spot right now.” pic.twitter.com/9bHfPNSUJl
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) June 4, 2024
Love will not participate in a preseason game without a new contract, common logic dictates, but Tuesday and Green Bay’s preseason opener in Cleveland on August 10 are still roughly two months away. How would that new arrangement look?
According to Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac, in an article published in The Athletic on May 3, the first day Love was able to sign a contract, Love will receive an extension for $200 million spread over four years, or an average salary of $50 million year. But it is possible that Love’s representatives, Andrew Kessler and David Mulugheta, want more after seeing Lions quarterback Jared Goff earn $53 million annually this offseason. Joe Burrow of the Bengals is the highest-paid quarterback in the league right now, at $55 million annually, according to Over The Cap.
Even though Love has only played for roughly half of a season that is worth an annual salary in the $50 million bracket, if he keeps on his current trend and prices keep rising, whatever he gets paid now might end up being a deal in a few years. Is it conceivable that in the upcoming weeks Love will become the highest-paid player in NFL history? Perhaps not.
“I think it’s well-deserved. Obviously, I love having him as my quarterback,” wide receiver Christian Watson said recently. “Just to get that deal done and know he’s gonna be here a while, I’m definitely gonna be excited for him.”
(Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)
