The Green Bay Packers created quite a stir in the NFL community when they announced that they had signed quarterback Jordan Love contract extension rather than exercising the available 5th year option. Many pundits and fans alike were initially puzzled by the move, given that Love had yet to start a regular-season game. However, a closer look at the situation reveals that the one-year extension is a clear win-win scenario for both Love and the Packers.
For the Packers, the one-year extension is an extremely smart move as it gives them more time to evaluate Love’s abilities and determine whether he has the potential to take over the starting quarterback role from Aaron Rodgers. Love was a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and the Packers clearly see him as the potential long-term answer at quarterback.
The extension also gives the Packers some flexibility in terms of their overall quarterback situation. With Love’s contract more manageable in 2024, it leaves the option open to draft a rookie if Love struggles this season. The extension also gives the team some financial breathing room and ensures that they have a stable quarterback situation for the next two seasons.
From Love’s perspective, the extension provides him with some immediate security and an opportunity to showcase his skills on the field. Love did not see any playing time during his rookie season, and he has only played in a handful of games thus far in his young career. The extension gives him a chance to prove himself in the NFL and show he has what it takes to be a long-term starting quarterback.
The financial aspect of the extension is also important for Love. While he was already under contract for 2023, the extension gives him an immediate raise for the season. Additionally, if Love does perform well and as the starting quarterback, he could potentially earn a more lucrative contract in the future.
Another benefit of the extension for Love is that it gives him a chance to acclimate to starting in the NFL without the pressure of fighting for a new contract. As Love takes over as the starter, he will already be under immense pressure to perform at a high level right away. By having another year to develop and learn, Love can ease into the role of starting quarterback knowing he has two seasons.
Furthermore, the one-year extension could potentially benefit the Packers in the long term. If Love performs well in 2023 and proves that he is capable of being a starting quarterback in the NFL, the Packers could then move towards a long-term extension. This would give the team the framework to build a contract that will keep Love with the Packers as their next franchise quarterback.
While the one-year extension for Jordan Love may have seemed like a surprising move at first glance, it is a smart decision for both the Packers and Love. For the Packers, the extension gives them more time to evaluate Love’s abilities and ensures that they have a capable quarterback available for the next two seasons. For Love, the extension provides him with financial security and an opportunity to showcase his skills on the field. The extension could also potentially benefit the Packers in the long term if Love performs well. Overall, the extension is a true win-win scenario for both Love and the Packers.
Jordan is a lifelong Packer fan who grew up in Idaho and now lives in Seattle, Washington. You can follow him on twitter at @jordantwolf.
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