Top 3 Reasons To Trade Jordan Love
Aaron Rodgers is back, which begs the question: What will the Packers do with Jordan Love. Here's 3 good reasons why they should trade him.
By BruceIrons
With Aaron Rodgers announcing that he will return to the Packers, the team has the option to trade backup Jordan Love if they want.
Why would they do such a thing?
I'm so glad you asked - here are the top 3 reasons why the Packers might trade Jordan Love:
1) The Packers plans have changed
The Packers drafted Jordan Love when Aaron Rodgers was coming off a few meh-to-decent years as a starter. The Packers may have had a plan in place that included moving on from Aaron Rodgers. Over the last two years, Rodgers has returned to undisputed-best-quarterback-on-Earth status with back-to-back MVPs. That has put the Packers in win-now-no-matter-the-cost-mode, which includes aggressive contract management for short-term results. If the Packers want to win now, getting a Day 2 draft pick may be more important than continuing to develop Jordan Love.
2) The draft is weak on QBs
Every year, teams reach for quarterbacks in the draft out of desperation. Jordan Love is younger than Kenny Pickett and only two months older than Matt Corral (two of the top quarterback prospects in this year's class) and he comes with two years of tutelage under one of the best QB-developing head coaches in the league. Some desperate team may be willing to give an enticing pick on a guy with two years of development and some pro experience instead of a question mark from a weak draft class
3) He just might not be as good as they hoped
It's possible that the Packers took Jordan Love based on his potential and, based on what they've seen in practice so far (things we haven't seen and can't accurately speculate on), they may not think he's going to be as good as they hoped. Since Rodgers is coming back, they may be ready to unload him.
The Packers are in great position with the reigning back-to-back MVP as their starting quarterback and a talented prospect with two years of development backing him up. That gives them the flexibility to trade Love if they want to.
When so many teams have huge question marks at quarterback, it's a great position to be in.
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Bruce Irons has played, coached, and studied football for decades. Best-selling author of books such as A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Draft, A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Salary Cap, and A Fan's Guide To NFL Free Agency Hits And Misses, Bruce contributes to CheeseHeadTV and PackersForTheWin.com.
Follow Bruce Irons on Twitter at @BruceIronsNFL.
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Comments (89)
HankScorpio
March 13, 2022 at 06:31 am
If they can get a 2 for Love is the only reason to trade him. Anything less and they should just hang on to him as insurance vs Rodgers injury. I doubt they can get a 2 for him.
That's assuming they are not convinced he's worthless. If they have seen enough in practice to know he's going to be a bust, they should dump him for whatever they can get. It goes back to something Gute said at his hiring presser...something along the lines of "when you know it is time to move on, do so asap."
dobber
March 13, 2022 at 09:45 am
I agree: I don't see any way they get a 2 for a polarizing prospect who got mixed reviews coming out of college and looked as green as we'd all expect him to be when given limited meaningful snaps--many without the full contingent of skill position support, and without play calls and game plans to help play to his limited experience.
The savings to cut or trade him are minimal (except after Jun 1, and even then, not meaningful) and not a motivating factor. At this point, unless someone jumps up and radically overpays, the best way forward is to hang onto him and showcase him in preseason. ARod won't play a snap...there will be plenty of opportunities for him to play decisively, throw the ball with authority, and show that he belongs. He either rises to the occasion and establishes himself as a solid backup--and either meaningful trade piece or even a plan-altering player--or plays himself off the roster.
In the end, we all need to understand that the Packers' QB position will not see a 2010-2016 ARod type player for a long time. Holding any QB up to ARod standards means we're headed for disappointment. Even though the 2020 and 2021 ARod won MVP awards, he's not the same guy he was then. Management is already building/has built a different team.
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 11:18 am
The more salient question is perhaps whether will we see the 2020 version again.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 06:51 pm
Highly unlikely. 2020 Rodgers was an angry Rodgers who played like he had something to prove. Actually played within the offense and dominated because of it. But then he held out and they gave him full control of the offense and hes never giving it back.
Savage57
March 13, 2022 at 06:44 am
What happens with Love moving forward will be a function of three things.
1) Gute's opinion
2) The offers, if any, they get for him
3) Remembering QB1 turns 39 in October and is at the age where the body takes over career decision making
Guam
March 13, 2022 at 08:53 am
Good summation Savage57. As the author pointed out, the original reason for drafting Love is now gone (replacing Rodgers), but Rodgers will be 38/39 next season and injuries become a factor as football players age. Unless they get a great offer for Love, having a young, healthy backup QB is not a bad idea, at least until he hits that fifth year option.
NitschkeFan
March 13, 2022 at 10:58 pm
Minor correction @Savage. Rodgers birthday is in December (not October). So he turns 39 late in the next season.
Lare
March 13, 2022 at 07:29 am
In reality, it all comes down to talent evaluation. They've had two years to assess Love's abilities so they must have a pretty good idea if he's going to be boom or bust. If it's boom then keep him as a reasonably priced backup option. If it's bust, then might as well cut bait and look for other options.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 09:20 am
And what about his 5th year option that would pay him $18 million? No way theyll be able to afford it with all the restructures and money theyre pushing onto future caps. Extending Rodgers longterm all but guaranteed Love has no future with this team. Trade him now. Pretty sure he's going to demand a trade anyways.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 13, 2022 at 05:42 pm
The lowest 5th year option salary (Basic - no playing time or pro bowl award bonuses) for QB taken in the 2019 draft is $19.646M. So, Love figures to be a little over $20M, or in the low twenties if the cap rises a lot 2024.
That said, while it is hard to predict the future, GB might have no problem affording Love or lots of problems. Is AR still on the team? If not, are they taking huge dead money hits for him?
How the team performs in 2022 will also affect this decision.
egbertsouse
March 13, 2022 at 07:48 am
The writer should watch these things on television they call playoffs. If he does, he may want to retract the undisputed best QB on earth stuff. Maybe revise it to “ best regular season QB in unimportant games” or “ best stats padder on earth.”
Also, I believe that the FO knows that Love is not a starting NFL QB. That’s why they panicked and opened the vault for the Choker. However, Gutey, like Ted, finds it difficult to publicly admit mistakes.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 09:17 am
Nah bringing Rodgers back had nothing to do with Love. It had to do with Murphy being desperate to cement his legacy with another super bowl on his way out the door rather than do what was best for the overall health of this franchise. As for Love, I still think he's going to be good but its highly unlikely that will be in Green Bay. Rodgers has a fresh 4 year contract and theres a 0% chance Love signs a 2nd contract with this team. I wouldve already demanded a trade if I was him.
Nerd
March 13, 2022 at 12:25 pm
Best "thrower of the football," as they say.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 02:05 pm
He's the Tin Cup of football.
mrtundra
March 13, 2022 at 08:01 am
Trade Love? No way. He's a Packer QB who is the heir apparent to Rodgers. How long did Rodgers play second fiddle to Favre? Did we call for trading Rodgers? No. Love needs time to develop in the Packer's system. He'll be fine.
mrtundra
March 13, 2022 at 08:01 am
Trade Love? No way. He's a Packer QB who is the heir apparent to Rodgers. How long did Rodgers play second fiddle to Favre? Did we call for trading Rodgers? No. Love needs time to develop in the Packer's system. He'll be fine.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 08:07 am
Rodgers just got a 4 year contract. Love has 2 years left on his rookie contract and the 5th year option would cost roughly 18 million. Theyre not paying Love $18 million to sit the bench. He's never going to start for this team now. They might as well trade him. He'll probly demand a trade anyways.
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 10:28 am
They aren’t paying him 18 million this year and they aren’t next. The 5th year option doesn’t have to be exercised either, we could trade him or extend. All we do next off season is have to decide if we exercise the option for the following year, 2025. In the meantime a lot could happen, including Rodgers retiring (with a ring or without one).
Rodgers isn’t guaranteed to stay healthy. We need to not just capitulate if he misses a game or two—we are in win it all territory with a vengeance now. Unless we can get better without giving up material cap, keep him. Don’t get weaker for nothing in a win it all year.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 02:07 pm
If Rodgers retires early, this team is screwed from all the guaranteed money they'll have to pay out. Doomsday scenario. There wont be any point in keeping Love cuz this team wont be competetive for years to come after that.
dobber
March 13, 2022 at 02:40 pm
Until everything is signed and public, we have no idea.
CheesyTex
March 13, 2022 at 02:51 pm
"There won't be any point in keeping Love..."
IMO the point would be that there is no better option available to the cap-strapped Packers, and Love is the best available insurance if AR goes down -- he does know the system by now and we have yet to see the "illusion of complexity" offense tailored to him.
Way too early to write him off (although a trade offer of something close to what the Pack paid to trade up to get him would be very tempting).
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 06:57 pm
The "illusion of complexity" concept died with Rodgers' holdout last offseason. That offense doesnt exist anymore. Lafleur traded his man card for some pom poms.
stockholder
March 13, 2022 at 05:46 pm
Those are assumptions. You change what should have been. The 2nd pick gives you a WR. Cobb would never have come back if Gute did it right. Trading Love gives us a chance to make it right in the draft. It's deep at edge, Wrs. The top 100 have never been better. Trade Love. You'll change the mistake into a correction for the future.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 06:58 pm
Drafting Love was never a mistake. Committing to Rodgers, again, was the mistake.
Nerd
March 13, 2022 at 12:31 pm
Love may not be as good as Aaron, especially when he first starts. But he doesn't have to be.
Aaron is very good, when he runs the offense. But he doesn't run Matt's offense all the time. If Love is even 80% as good as Aaron Rodgers, I would still prefer him over Aaron, if he adheres to the offense.
We've seen how Aaron looks when he goes into sandlot mode. I'll take the consistent guy, with his high ceiling.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 02:08 pm
My thoughts exactly. But Rodgers is here to stay. By the time Rodgers is done, Love will already be playing for another team.
Nerd
March 13, 2022 at 12:27 pm
Dude is making the correct reads and throwing the ball to the correct guy. Just needs to improve his ball placement. That will come with footwork, which is what Matt says he has been working on.
stockholder
March 13, 2022 at 08:25 am
First Cory , now Bruce. The writing is on the wall. /// Bench warmer, 3mil plus, draft pick = Gone. ///. It doesn't take Rocket science to see the difference between Rodgers and Love. I see a deer in head lights. The Lack of field vision and awareness. And a QB often Tardy with his throws. Sure he can flash. But Flash in the pan stuff, doesn't fit the playbook. We just can't pay 18mil. for development. Trade him and move on.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 09:24 am
Please show us where Jordan Love hurt you
dobber
March 13, 2022 at 10:17 am
In this case, Love had the bad fortune to be chosen by BG. That's all it took.
Nerd
March 13, 2022 at 12:35 pm
I see a dude who makes the correct reads and throws to the guy WHO IS OPEN. Hey?
Needs to work on ball placement, which is why Matt has him improving footwork. Getting timing down with his WRs would also help quite a bit, especially on those back shoulder throws to Davante.
dobber
March 13, 2022 at 01:04 pm
I've been encouraged by the fact that you can actually see him going through his progressions. He's not always locking on to a primary target. I'd like to see him start delivering the ball--especially to the perimter--with more oomph. I'm hoping that will come with time.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 02:09 pm
I dont even think his placement is that bad. The biggest flaw i see is lack of rhythm and timing. Placement will almost always be off if you're not in rhythm. He just needs reps. Reps he's not going to get in GB.
LambeauPlain
March 13, 2022 at 09:15 am
With Rodgers fickle personality and two straight years of seriously considering retirement, it would be the height of stupidity to trade Love after playing 6 quarters of NFL regular season football. I also believe the odds of Rodgers playing two more years is 50/50 or less...and 3 to 4 more years practically nil. Gutey knows this.
The caveat is if some QB desperate team in the top (Washington, Carolina, Seattle?) of the first round would give up their pick for him. That's not going to happen.
If they did, Gutey could use that 2nd #1 to trade back for a 2023 first rounder and perhaps and additional day 2 pick this year. Or trade for a 2023 #1 plus a day 2 pick this year.
That would position the Packers to be in the hunt for the top 2023 QB rich draft. Then we could also enjoy the drama of another QB drafted to replace Rodgers. Yippee!
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 09:22 am
They just gave Rodgers $153 million guaranteed. If he retires next year, Packers might as well sell the team and move cuz itll be doomsday.
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 10:40 am
We really don’t know what they have offered him and if he’s going to sign it at this point.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 02:11 pm
While that is factual, it doesn't take much imagination to assume its going to be loaded with guaranteed money.
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 03:19 pm
My belief that the resigning office Rodgers isn’t a good thing is no secret, but it’s possible, as Dobber has pointed out, that this deal is really a year-by-year one. That would limit the harm and deal with the very real possibility that if it doesn’t go to plan this year, both Rodgers and, to some extent at least, the team, have an out.
Love would be back on the original schedule then. Many things are possible at this point.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 07:02 pm
But that would mean they potentially passed on all that draft capital and 2 quality starters for one more year of Rodgers. That makes me want to vomit. This clown makes me loathe being a fan.
dobber
March 13, 2022 at 09:12 am
We haven't seen the terms of the reported extension, and we don't know how long the Packers and ARod actually plan to coexist--regardless of the length of the deal. At this point, only ARod (and maybe the Packers) knows what's going on with ARod, and what communications ARod and the Packers have had likely have the greatest bearing on what the Packers do with Love.
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 09:40 am
Didn’t we just have this discussion yesterday?
https://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/corys-corner-strike-while-its-hot-430
Nothing new said here or to say.
dobber
March 13, 2022 at 09:46 am
Not true: I had pancakes for breakfast yesterday. A big bowl of Lucky Charms today.
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 10:06 am
Were the lucky charms more loquacious?
dobber
March 13, 2022 at 10:20 am
I'm an equal-opportunity breakfast kind of guy. They both had their fine points.
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 10:51 am
So you are saying different breakfasts spice up your day but the different conversation does not?
dobber
March 13, 2022 at 01:06 pm
There's a lot to be said for piles of carbs...
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 03:13 pm
You are cookie binging?
dobber
March 13, 2022 at 03:18 pm
Define "binging"....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF6OYq_2Ooc
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 03:21 pm
A little discretion in such things is surely the last bastion of freedom?
Thegreatreynoldo
March 13, 2022 at 06:38 pm
I still can't find more than three tenths of one percent interest on my emergency cash I keep in the bank. I am considering having all of my relatives use my credit card, pay me back at the end of the month, and take the 2% cash back.
What could go wrong?
Rossonero
March 13, 2022 at 09:46 am
Unless it's one of the more dysfunctional franchises out there (I was initially thinking Washington, but then they got Wentz) -- I can't see any reasonable GM giving up a 2nd or 3rd rounder for Jordan Love. I'm sure some teams will inquire about him, but will probably give low ball offers of a 5th rd pick or later. No way in heck would I trade him for a 4th rd pick.
Just hold onto him -- the guy doesn't even have one year as a starter under his belt. We literally have a one game sample size vs. Kansas City, and it feels like most fans are ready to throw the towel in on him. How does someone know he's not the answer already? Rodgers went 6-10 as a starter in his 1st season. Peyton Manning threw 28 picks as a rookie. I know in today's society of instant gratification everyone wants the answer NOW, but sorry, that's not the way this is going to work.
dobber
March 13, 2022 at 09:47 am
Maybe if you've got another GM out there who was really sold on him at draft time in 2020 and finding a significant need, you might get a 3...maybe.
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 10:15 am
There are 2 questions. Whether we are willing to trade him (and how readily) and when we have the best chance at the best price.
We have mostly focused on the whether. However, the fact is, now isn’t likely that. Get him out there in preseason and let him show or others get injured and his price likely goes up.
Of course, the cynical might say that such a plan could backfire. If Love comes out and looks improved, then yes his price goes up but questions also start being asked about whether paying a kings ransom to Rodgers was really such a good idea. At this point, his play and Rodgers at the end of his second season are visually and statistically comparable. Stranger things have happened.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 02:14 pm
The idea of trading Love isnt centered around if he can play or not. Packers just gave Rodgers a longterm contract that basically guarantees Love will never be the starter under his rookie contract. And his 5th year option would pay him somewhere around $18 mil. Theyre not giving him that much to ride the bench. And if for some crazy reason they did, he still isnt signing a 2nd contract with this team after they kept him on the bench for 4 years. It makes no sense to keep him at this point. Get what you can now and move on.
Gopack12
March 13, 2022 at 10:10 am
I find these comments amazing.. 2 weeks ago the vast majority of the folks positing comments on this site were ready to hand the keys to the car to Jordan. Love and trade away the most talented QB to ever play. Now those same folks are admitting we can’t even get a 2nd round pick for Love.. was this debate on keeping or trading Rodgers about football or something else. Pretty sure I know the answer.. thank god our FO understands that QBs like Rodgers come around once in a lifetime and we need to ride him as long as we possibly can.. and if we did give him $153 guaranteed, it’s a safe bet that he will be under center for our beloved green and gold for at least 3 more very enjoyable seasons.. cheers to that,
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 10:48 am
As enjoyable as the last 3? Give me some reasons why more of almost the same is so comforting and maybe I’d see some non emotive rationale for your joy in mortgaging the future so heavily for a reprise.
Gopack12
March 13, 2022 at 10:44 am
Absolutely, I think the past 3 seasons were extremely enjoyable; 13 wins and a couple of nfc championship game is pretty awesome…even without a championship, 30 other nfl franchises would trade places with us in a heartbeat…if the FO listened to your recommendations we would have Jordan love running the show , the guy we can’t even get a second round pick for… and we would be on par with the lions .. I’ll take Rodgers for 4 more years…by the way Vegas has the packers as the favorite to win the SB next year, I wonder where we would rank with Love at QB
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 11:02 am
You still haven’t given me a reason why the Packers this year are going to be any more successful than the last 3 iterations. So, essentially, you just think Rodgers is all it takes? What happened to change that?
To be clear, I don’t think Love would win as many games, but how much less is uncertain. Then again, I don’t know that he’d necessarily be our preferred starter without Rodgers. I do know we’d have a great deal more flexibility to build a better roster going forward.
dobber
March 13, 2022 at 10:16 am
For many, the ARod discussion had very little to do with Love and everything to do with cap and roster health.
Rossonero
March 13, 2022 at 03:00 pm
I have been saying the same thing about Love from the beginning in terms of trade value. He simply doesn't have enough time to garner a 1st or 2nd rounder because he's barely played. As Dobber pointed out, maybe a 3rd round pick if another team was really high on him and still is.
Love becoming the starter and his trade value are two different things. Admitting that we can't get a 2nd round pick is not news to me and does not diminish the fact that we only have a one game sample size on him. Nobody knows what we have in him yet.
I wanted to trade Rodgers because his value was never going to be higher. You gotta sell high. Look what Denver gave up for Wilson. While trading Rodgers to Denver would not have fixed the salary cap, it sure would have helped, and Rodgers could decide to retire at any season, especially if he suffers a major injury or just decides he wants to do Jeopardy or something else.
This is deja vu from the Favre years all over again. You have to look long-term. You can win without Rodgers, just like we won without Favre. It may not be the same stylistically with Love, but you can win with power running, defense and adequate special teams. Instead, the FO is going all in....again and now how are we going to pay anyone else to keep this team together? How?
Rossonero
March 13, 2022 at 03:00 pm
I have been saying the same thing about Love from the beginning in terms of trade value. He simply doesn't have enough time to garner a 1st or 2nd rounder because he's barely played. As Dobber pointed out, maybe a 3rd round pick if another team was really high on him and still is.
Love becoming the starter and his trade value are two different things. Admitting that we can't get a 2nd round pick is not news to me and does not diminish the fact that we only have a one game sample size on him. Nobody knows what we have in him yet.
I wanted to trade Rodgers because his value was never going to be higher. You gotta sell high. Look what Denver gave up for Wilson. While trading Rodgers to Denver would not have fixed the salary cap, it sure would have helped, and Rodgers could decide to retire at any season, especially if he suffers a major injury or just decides he wants to do Jeopardy or something else.
This is deja vu from the Favre years all over again. You have to look long-term. You can win without Rodgers, just like we won without Favre. It may not be the same stylistically with Love, but you can win with power running, defense and adequate special teams. Instead, the FO is going all in....again and now how are we going to pay anyone else to keep this team together? How?
PatrickGB
March 13, 2022 at 10:24 am
Has Rodgers even signed a contract yet? No? Is there a cheaper quality backup out there? No? I say he stays this year. If he is any good we keep him on a restructured contract next year. It’s not like the team has many other options.
stockholder
March 13, 2022 at 05:35 pm
The only reason is Adams.
Packer_Fan
March 13, 2022 at 11:10 am
Who comes up with this thought? You need a back up for Rodgers could get hurt. This is just the media drumming up an issue
Packer_Fan
March 13, 2022 at 11:10 am
Who comes up with this thought? You need a back up for Rodgers could get hurt. This is just the media drumming up an issue
pantz_bURp
March 13, 2022 at 11:14 am
First off, I am glad I found this forum...you all bring up good points and many of you take the time to back up your reasoning with data or at least backing up your opinion with the why not losing sight of the short and/or long term potential/ramifications...so thanks.
I am more a wear my internal organs on my sleeve kinda guy. So you balance me out a tad...
I am in the camp of hang onto Love (for sure presently) because nothing is officially on the books with Rodgers and his agreement with the recent contract. Until we get the contract officially signed and submitted...we really don't know for sure how this will play out, this year as well as the next upcoming years. Even then, nothing is set in stone...so tighten down the chin strap and keep your head on a swivel!
Okay, back to the book...Green Bay: A City and It's Team.
marpag1
March 13, 2022 at 11:37 am
Somewhere I read a former agent saying that Mitchell Trubisky might get a contract of several years, averaging 12 million per year. Former GM Mike Tannenbaum over at ESPN is saying he might give Trubisky a 1 year contract for 16 million, with 10 million guaranteed.
Mitchell Effin' Trubisky.
You really wanna trade Jordan Love and his 3 million per year?
Jaqu’eau
March 13, 2022 at 11:38 am
Based on Aaron’s words and those who claim to speak for him (Pat McAfee), I suspect Rodgers will come back for one more year only. And, I believe this is his preference. I think this will play out as a legacy move by Rodgers.
Rodgers is smart enough to understand the situation. Over the past three years the Packers have progressively built a championship caliber team around him and he has responded with MVP level play. It just hasn’t been enough, or rather, as I like to think of it, the positive random events just didn’t favor the Packers over this timeframe. In seriously considering retirement, I believe Rodgers came to the conclusion that he’d like one more run, then walk away from football. I believe that the Broncos trade didn’t happen because of Rodgers, not Gutey. I also believe that the Packers and Rodgers, together, and respectively, are convinced they have a plan and the talent to make a serious run this year for another title, and I think it’s going to be fun to watch. But, I also believe that Rodgers would like for this to happen without jeopardizing the future of the organization (i.e. contract terms). I speculate that Rodgers’ contract will have at least $50 guaranteed but be prorated over several years to make it cap friendly, for this year and years to come.
So what does Love have to do with it? The second legacy aspect involves Clements coming back. Most reporting has focused on the intent behind the hire is to appease Rodgers. Perhaps. But I offer another possibility. Clements was hired not for Rodgers, but to work with Love. Yes, as strange as it may seem, I believe this move is a legacy move, using his influence to convince (?) Clements to come back and the Packers to hire him to work with Love this season. Unlike the current narrative being developed around Rodgers and Love, I think Rodgers sees his role in the development of Love as part of his legacy, contrary to his experience with Favre. Rodgers would like his legacy to be more like Starr than Favre. Despite steong evidence, it is unlikely Aaron Rodgers will be considered as the greatest qb of all time in the nfl (Brady has too many SB wins-whether you believe this to be a qb stat or not). However, he would very much like to be considered the greatest qb in the history of the greatest franchise in nfl history. To some, he may already be this. If he had a role in developing Love-who would then go on to bring more years of greatness- and played a role in his own succession planning, he would cement this.
In addition, in the event that Rodgers misses games, the best chance for success lies with Love. I know many don’t want to believe it but it’s true. Plus, I believe the Packers still have confidence in Love’s long-term potential. Lastly, it is highly unlikely that anyone drafted with a 2nd round pick will have any significant role on this team. Is it possible? Yes, but probably less than any contribution Love could make. For these reasons, don’t think Love is going anywhere.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 02:17 pm
If the Packers passed on 4 premium draft picks and 2 quality starting players for just one more year of Rodgers, the entire organization needs to be fired. Catastrophic failure.
Rossonero
March 13, 2022 at 03:10 pm
Amen.
jhtobias
March 13, 2022 at 11:57 am
I'm not sure why there are any reason's to trade love as of today 3/13/22 :
1. Has Rodgers even signed a new contract/extension yet ? How long more if any year/years does Rodgers want to continue to play . As far as I know he is still on a one year deal that voids in 2023 7 days before the new league starts . Except from a tweet or Pat MacAfee it is all Hersey until the ink hits the contract .
2. The rebuild might start a lot sooner that you think . Like tomorrow 3/14/2022 . Remember legal tampering beings which means Campbell can agree with any team and lose him defense is in big trouble again , they probably can lose everyone else on that side who is not signed up and survive. Maybe Rodgers has second thoughts needs a safe space and won't sign which means cust are coming more than Z smith and Cobb.
3. Remember Davante Adams is free to negotiate with any team tomorrow and if the packers can't match yes they do get 2 first round picks , but cleanse man will be very upset and does it really matter he still has a cap hit of 46 million I haven't seen any new contract or extension signed yet.
4 Point being while Jordan Love might turn into a back up qb, an all pro, a decent starter , only twitter knows at this point we still have no idea what cleanse boy is doing .
I miss guys like Reggie White , Leroy Butler etc. They would have told the Bun Wearing mvp to make up his mind or get out . As far as I'm know we are still 45 million over the cap as I'm writing and your talking about trading a quarterback who has played one game .
Coldworld
March 13, 2022 at 12:30 pm
I miss guys like Ron Wolf and TT who would not have handed any player what amounts to total control over the team’s direction as well as potentially key contracts for others and other roster decisions. Even if the result ends up being successful, this FO is wrong.
I don’t believe this is Gute led (just on pattern of prior actions, not hard evidence), but thanks to Murphy’s structure we really can’t know who is, so all must share the blame.
jhtobias
March 13, 2022 at 12:36 pm
I know I will get attacked on here for my comments but I don't care . In a way I bet Davonte is steaming about the Franchise Tag and he should . I hope he takes that energy and his agents negotiate a deal for him which with another team and that packers cannot match because it will have a domino effect like we have not seen,
I'm also not an idiot and understand without Rodgers we are in trouble but sometimes moving forward is good.
For Example my two daughter can school me with certain technology they are teenagers, but when it comes down to it they don't run the house me and my wife do. We have been doing this thing called life for a lot longer than the girls
dobber
March 13, 2022 at 01:14 pm
Adams knows that the way things need to fall in place for the Packers and their cap, he's going to get the tag reworked and he'll get paid. Maybe not quite as well as on the open market where there would be bidding, but he's going to get paid.
"I'm also not an idiot and understand without Rodgers we are in trouble"
I've heard from very few people who think the Packers would be nearly as competitive with anyone under C aside from Rodgers...but "in trouble" depends on who they bring in and who would win the ensuing QB battle.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 13, 2022 at 06:15 pm
This has Murphy written all over it. He's out in a couple years and cares more about his own legacy than the longterm health of the franchise.
Alberta_Packer
March 13, 2022 at 12:54 pm
Why are we fretting at all about a back-up QB, who is still a work-in-progress and only making 3m a year - when we're looking at bringing back an aged, devolving QB, with an in stasis team that will also place the Packers in cap hell for years to come? A more relevant article would be Top Ten Reasons To Trade Aaron Rodgers.
croatpackfan
March 13, 2022 at 03:30 pm
maybe 153 million reasons...
ricky
March 13, 2022 at 12:50 pm
Three reasons to keep Jordan Love.
1. He knows the Packers system, knows the coaches, knows the players. What he lacks is playing time, and having an offense that is tailored to suit his strengths.
2. If Love is traded, there has to be another QB brought in. Someone who is older, and lacks all the pluses listed in the first sentence above.
3. He is still on a cheap contract. Which would make him more attractive to other teams, but at a time when the salary cap is so important, every dollar matters.
Swisch
March 13, 2022 at 04:55 pm
Not only does it seem there's been a lot of negativity about the Packers drafting Jordan Love, but also an accompanying assumption that he's not very good based on very little to go by.
He's handled all of it with quiet class off the field, it appears, as well as a steady determination in his few opportunities to play.
It's worth saying that support from fans could be a big boost to Love as he perseveres through his first difficult years with the Packers in delicate circumstances.
***
It's also worth noting that how a quarterback turns out depends on what's inside of the quarterback.
The history of Bart Starr is so relevant for today.
According to Jerry Kramer, Starr was practically invisible in his first couple of seasons with the Packers.
Even when Vince Lombardi came on as coach in 1959, he didn't see Starr as the guy at quarterback; and well into the 1960 season, he was hesitant about committing to Starr.
Not only did Starr not have a big arm as a passer, he also did not have a big presence as a leader.
Yet Starr was determined to develop both of those aspects to the craft of quarterback to a high level -- earning the NFL MVP in 1966 -- as well as meticulously studying film for ways to outsmart opponents.
In one of the most amazing turnarounds in sports history, Starr worked his way into the hall of fame.
To my mind, he's the greatest NFL quarterback of all time, the only one with three championships in a row, and five in seven years. He was 9-1 in the playoffs over his career with absolutely stellar statistics in these clutch games.
***
Lots of people will consider me Starry-eyed.
They'll say he was mostly the product of Lombardi's coaching system, plus great players all around him.
Well, Johnnie Unitas had lots of great players around him with the Colts, but not one championship in the 1960s.
At times in the Lombardi Era (1959-1967), the Giants, Browns, Bears, Lions, and Rams also fielded formidable teams to challenge the Packers.
It seems safe to say that most of the winning quarterbacks in the annals of the NFL have had a lot of help from teammates and coaches.
It's true that without Lombardi, Starr probably doesn't have a significant career in the NFL. However, I would venture to say that without Starr, Lombardi and the Packers don't win nearly as many titles.
Starr was the steely force behind the mercurial genius of Lombardi. They needed each other to find their fullest potentials.
One more point to consider is whether the likes of Brady and Rodgers last nearly as long in the NFL -- and play nearly as well -- without the rules that protect quarterbacks that were non-existent in Starr's day.
These were crippling assaults by maulers such as Sam Huff and Deacon Jones and Dick Butkus that tested the nerves of quarterbacks to the limits of human endurance.
Starrbrite
March 17, 2022 at 12:24 am
A great post Swisch—I completely agree with you.
calabasa
March 13, 2022 at 03:22 pm
My gut tells me that with Rodgers returning it makes sense to get maximum value for Love in a trade, if it is at least a second round pick.
However, if we only have Rodgers for one year, it would be better to keep Love. If we have three more years of Rodgers, I would prefer having a high draft pick in the arsenal to build around Rodgers’ staggering cap number.
And if Rodgers gets injured, we’re not going to win the Super Bowl no matter who is under center.
Oppy
March 13, 2022 at 03:49 pm
So, something that hasn't been talked about here in regards to Rodgers' new contract-
This was brought up on local sports talk radio here in MKE, and I unfortunately missed the name of the beat writer/natl sports guy was who was the featured call in that morning (1250 am The Fan), but the gentleman raised this point about Rodgers' new contract that we don't have details on:
Does the extension still feature Rodgers' ability to opt out / request a trade before the onset of each new season?
Nobody else has brought up this angle to the best of my knowledge, and it's a massive point of contention. If Rodgers has retained that perk that was shoe-horned in, this whole 4-year contract thing is semantics only.
It would also mean each off season will be a tumultuous waiting game.. It would also mean making decisions about a guy like Jordan Love will be even more difficult to reach.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 13, 2022 at 07:42 pm
Brandt called in. If it retains the opt out, Gute, Murphy - really everyone in sight - should be fired.
I think there will be language about paying back money/forfeiture provisions for each point in time during which AR might retire.
Edit: Tom Brady just tweeted out that he will play for Tampa Bay in 2022.
Oppy
March 13, 2022 at 08:26 pm
To me, the money isn't the issue.. well, I mean, it is, but I'm more concerned about the long term health of the team. Living in the moment each and every year is a horrible way to manage a roster.
White92
March 13, 2022 at 04:20 pm
I'm not convinced Love is much better than Benkert, so if you can get a 2 for Love, I say take it. Just don't use it on a punter or a long snapper 😜
stockholder
March 13, 2022 at 05:32 pm
Correct. The replies are ASSUMPTIONS. The assumption Rodgers will retire after the season. If Love is gone he won't. The nail in the coffin to come back is ADAMS and BAHK. The 2nd rd. pick becomes a WR. That makes this offense a juggernaut again.
ImaPayne
March 13, 2022 at 08:10 pm
I agree. Get whatever, a 4, a box of cubanos, some fine burbon, a box of t bones and call it done.
ImaPayne
March 13, 2022 at 08:04 pm
I have no, zero, nada idea how do many people think Love has value? He is a backup and that's all he will ever be. Just who the hell would want this guy. He has no credentials, was never first round material, and is not anyone's future.
If we can get a six pack of Miller and some ripple, take it. lol
MemphoMike
March 14, 2022 at 07:49 am
I see the argument for moving on from Love but I'm for keeping him.
It's interesting that the return of Tom Clements as QB Coach was widely viewed as a ploy to lure AR back. Maybe that's the case, or just maybe the Packers brain trust hired him to further develop Love into a pro QB. It's likely for both reasons. AR credited Clements for being a major contributor to his early development. I think the Packers have a plan in place and that's to stick with Love, put him to work with Clements,
develop his skill set so he's ready when they need him....and that doesn't necessarily mean when AR retires.....