The Green Bay Packers made a bold bet in the 2020 NFL Draft when they traded up to select quarterback Jordan Love from Utah State, despite having Aaron Rodgers on their roster. The decision sparked frustration in Rodgers, who went on to win consecutive MVP titles, but it also demonstrated the Packers’ immense belief in Love’s potential.
Fast-forward to 2023, and the Packers are Love’s team after Rodgers was shipped to the New York Jets. But as he prepares to lead the team, the cost to keep him could soar beyond the Packers’ initial projections.
Jordan Love’s Contract Projection Raises Eyebrows
Joel Corry’s analysis for CBS Sports brought to light intriguing details about Jordan Love’s financial situation. Love has been eligible for a new contract since May 3, and the Packers have a history of securing their stars well ahead of time. However, the potential jump from his current $12 million annual salary to an estimated $50 million or more is a stark reminder of how quickly quarterback markets can change.
Joel Corry speculated that while Love may not reach the salary heights of Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, or Justin Herbert, he is poised for a significant payday.
Jordan Love has always had arm talent 👀
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) May 7, 2024
Green Bay Packers in for a Pricey Journey
Ultimately, the Green Bay Packers’ investment in Jordan Love won’t be cheap, but given their commitment to his development and the resources already invested, there was never a shortcut to be taken. The gamble to trade up for Love came with a cost, which went beyond the first-round draft picks and included the friction with Rodgers and the financial strain.
While Love is unlikely to secure the highest salary in the league, he could be looking at a figure in the range of $40 million per year—a ballpark Kirk Cousins currently occupies. But with the NFL’s salary cap rising, this might be the last “discount” deal the Packers get with Love.
If Love performs at a high level for the next few years, he could command a salary closer to $70 million annually by 2029, especially if the Packers remain Super Bowl contenders.
Brian Gutekunst’s High-Stakes Gamble
The Packers cannot afford to hesitate during this offseason. General manager Brian Gutekunst knew the stakes when he drafted Love, and now the team’s future hinges on how they navigate these financial waters. Love’s contract situation has made it clear that the Packers need to maximize their opportunities this year before Jordan Love’s market value becomes prohibitively high.
