The NFL’s June 1 cap-clearing date approaches, the Green Bay Packers must demonstrate their commitment to extending quarterback Jordan Love’s contract. Tomorrow, inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell’s $9.66 million cap hold will expire, resulting in approximately $28.3 million in cap space after accounting for draft pick signings, according to cap analyst Ken Ingalls. To create additional cap space for the 2024 season, the Packers have limited options: either release contract-year players who earned proven performance escalators or extend defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who currently carries a $27.5 million cap hit. If no moves are made in these areas, it indicates an effort to keep Love’s 2024 cap hit under the $28.3 million figure, beyond his current $12.8 million.
General manager Brian Gutekunst has expressed a desire to handle Love’s deal “the right way,” but has not specified what this entails. The Packers are known for being frugal with guaranteed salaries beyond the first year of contracts, a practice that will be challenged by Love’s demands. For instance, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, an average to above-average player, recently received a four-year extension worth $212 million, with $113.6 million fully guaranteed at signing. Unless the Packers offer Love a signing bonus exceeding $100 million (Goff’s was $73 million), they will likely need to guarantee his salary in the second and third years of his new deal—a significant departure from their usual approach. Finding a new quarterback in the current market is difficult, especially with six rookies selected in the first 12 picks of April’s draft.
The Packers must adapt, as NFL quarterbacks are not going to stop demanding guaranteed salaries in the second and third years of their contracts. With quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Trevor Lawrence, and Dak Prescott soon negotiating new deals, delaying Love’s extension will only lead to higher costs.
