Jordan Love’s contract negotiations are now a top priority for the Green Bay Packers. After the one-year waiting period ended on May 3, Love became eligible for a new deal under the NFL collective bargaining agreement.
To avoid an immediate decision on Love’s fifth-year option for 2024, which would have been fully guaranteed at $20.272 million, the Packers and Love opted for a one-year contract extension worth $13.5 million initially, with the potential to reach $22.5 million through salary escalators. Love is set to earn $11 million in 2024, with a salary cap number of $12,757,731.
Brian Gutekunst, the Packers’ general manager, hinted at preliminary contract talks during the NFL annual owners meeting in March. Interestingly, both Love and Aaron Rodgers, his predecessor, are represented by the same agency, Athletes First, albeit by different primary agents. This shared representation could influence negotiations, especially considering how the Packers handled Rodgers’ contracts in the past.
Comparisons have been drawn between Love’s situation and Rodgers’ early career. When Rodgers received his first veteran contract extension seven games into his fourth season, he had a similar limited track record compared to Love. Based on this precedent, it’s suggested that Love should command a salary in the range of the NFL’s fourth- or fifth-highest paid players.
Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles currently holds the fourth spot in terms of salary, earning around $51 million per year. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs renegotiated his contract to maintain a high salary average. Rodgers’ recent deal with the Packers, averaging $50.27 million per year, sets a notable benchmark for quarterback salaries.
