Packers executive has encouraging message for QB Jordan Love
It's safe to say the Jordan Love experiment has not turned out the way the Packers envisioned when they traded up to select him with the 26th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Aaron Rodgers is the biggest reason why the Packers drafted Love and he's also the reason why Love hasn't had a […]
It's safe to say the Jordan Love experiment has not turned out the way the Packers envisioned when they traded up to select him with the 26th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Aaron Rodgers is the biggest reason why the Packers drafted Love and he's also the reason why Love hasn't had a chance to crack the starting lineup. Rodgers had an up-and-down season during Matt LaFleur's first season as head coach. That combined with a potential retirement is what prompted the Packers to take Love.
Two years later, Rodgers is coming off back-to-back MVPs and has a new four-year extension while Love stays on the sidelines.
It's not all about Rodgers, though. Love hasn't played particularly well when he has received opportunities. He finally cracked the starting lineup in Week 9 against the Chiefs, but the results were less than impressive.
Green Bay mustered just seven points on offense and Love completed just 56% of his passes for 190 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
His cleanup performance against the Lions in the season finale wasn't too great, either. Love completed just 59% of his passes for 134 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Despite the off play, the Packers still believe Love is capable of becoming the guy that made him a first round pick. Packers CEO Mark Murphy said as much in a recent interview with Packcast's Tom Grossi.
"We think he can be a good player, but we haven't really seen enough," Murphy said. "So, I think this preseason will be good for him. He's a talented player and I know the decision to draft him has been questioned by a number of people. But it's such an important position in our league.
"They said the same thing when we drafted Aaron."
Sure, it all sounds like coach speak. Or CEO speak, in this instance. But at the same time, you do get the sense that the Packers have faith in Jordan. Their actions reflect that. It may be forced faith, but we've seen teams quickly part ways before with high draft picks that don't pan out. The Packers haven't dropped Love, as of yet.
Time will truly tell how the Packers really feel about Love, however. There are two dates that hold significance: June 1 of this year and May 3 of next year. The Packers can save a little more than $1.7 million if they trade Love after June 1 of this year and they have to pick up his fifth-year option by the latter date.
Love's long-term future with the Packers is certainly in question, but it sounds like still has the support of the Packers' top decision-makers.
But for how long is the biggest question out of the bunch.
You can check out the full interview with Love, below.
Featured image via Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
