Chemistry over leverage: Jordan Love makes sure he's a part of the Packers OTAs
One of the biggest questions of the Green Bay Packers organized team activities was the presence of Jordan Love. The young quarterback has been a constant part of the team's offseasons over the last couple of years, but his contract situation created a unique circumstance this year. Love, however, participated in the Packers first OTA […]
One of the biggest questions of the Green Bay Packers organized team activities was the presence of Jordan Love. The young quarterback has been a constant part of the team's offseasons over the last couple of years, but his contract situation created a unique circumstance this year.
Love, however, participated in the Packers first OTA practice open to the media on Tuesday and expects to be a part of the entire program.
"That's just something that I've always done, trying to be here, get the reps in, get the work in with the guys and just start building that chemistry and getting ready for the season," Love said during his media availability after practice. "I don't really know what's going on, but we'll see. I'm not gonna get into too much contract stuff."
Value
The Packers had issues with Aaron Rodgers not being present in voluntary activities over his last couple of years in Green Bay, so having the starting quarterback building chemistry with the young group of pass catchers is extremely valuable for the coaching staff.
"It's everything to us," head coach Matt LaFleur said in his press conference. "We're still a very young football team as well, so these guys, they want to put in the work. I think we've got a lot of guys that love the game and love the process of grinding together and going through some tough things together. But to have him here, you can't put a value on that."
Jordan Love being around despite his contract situation also sends a message to the entire roster.
"If you look at our attendance here — I know we had one guy missing today for a personal matter, but we've had almost 100 percent the entire offseason, which has been the best that we've had since I've been here," LaFleur added. "And I always think that when you look at the league, when your quarterback's there, it just naturally has a way of attracting everybody to come."
Contract situation
Last week, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Packers and Love are not particularly close to a contract extension. Nevertheless, the NFL insider pointed out that he expects a deal to get done at some point.
Jordan Love is entering the final year of his contract — he signed a one-year extension last offseason, and he's already eligible to sign a new deal.
Packers’ young playmaker seen in a sling during latest OTA practice
That’s not great to start this phase of the offseason program
