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Even if Aaron Rodgers returns to the Packers for 2023, there’s no guarantee he’ll be back for 2024. And there’s a certain way the Packers have to plan for that. The team believes they already have what it takes to make this decision.
The Packers have until May 3 to decide whether to pick up the fifth-year option for quarterback Jordan Love. In a meeting with reporters earlier this week, GM Brian Gutekunst said the organization already has everything it needs to make that decision.
“We’re very happy with his development and what he’s been able to accomplish,” Gutekunst told reporters in reference to Love. “I think it would be really good for him, the growth you’re going through. seeing things for the first time. Make the mistakes you have to make. But I think from our side we’ve seen what we need to see.”
Given his limited playing time in the regular season, how did they view it?
“We saw him in practice for three years and did the things he does,” Gutekunst said. “Here’s a track where Aaron got beat up where he had a lot of reps on the ones. I think it was great for him. It was great for us to see. But it was also just really, really good for him to experience game planning every week.
“I think quarterbacks have to get into this league, play a few games before they learn how to win. But I think we’re very confident that Jordan can move the ball, score points, and do the things that we ask our quarterbacks to do.
Gutekunst was asked if he thinks Love is ready to be a starter in the NFL.
“I do,” Gutekunst said with a caveat. “You have to go out and do it in real games and stuff like that. And I think that’s important. But all young quarterbacks go through a period where, regardless of individual success, I think they need a little time to win in this league. And that will be important for Jordan whenever he gets his opportunity. But that’s a big part of it. I mean it’s – learning within the game is very important to that development.”
The question is when Love will get that chance in Green Bay. At some point “when” becomes “if”.
In any case, the next big “if” relates to whether the team will exercise Love’s option when the deadline is less than five months away. If they exercise the option, Love will remain under contract for at least two more years.