The Green Bay Packers are facing another interesting offseason with reigning MVP QB Aaron Rodgers, which leads to the question; what should be done with their 2020 First Round pick QB Jordan Love?
It was a surprise to many when the Green Bay Packers traded up to select quarterback Jordan Love in the 2020 NFL Draft at pick #26 overall. The Packers were coming off an NFC Championship loss to the San Francisco 49ers and it seemed all but certain that the front office would select another offensive weapon to keep their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, happy and ready for the next season.
As stated earlier, it was indeed a surprise to many, including Rodgers, when Love was picked. This started an avalanche of offseason rumors and radio silence between Rodgers and Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst. Now fast forward to the offseason in February of 2022 where once again it is a mystery as to whether Rodgers will be back or whether Love will be the starter.
At the same time star wide receiver Davante Adams‘ future is lingering in the balance.
It seems that the Green Bay front office knows they have most of the necessary pieces in place to win a championship and they need their quarterback to make another run in the 2022 season. If the Packers were confident in their 2020 first-round pick, they would not be pursuing Rodgers to such a degree but clearly, they have their doubts, and can you blame them?
While Love has not seen a substantial amount of field time his current statistics don’t exactly scream “NFL Starting Quarterback”: 36 completions on 62 attempts for 411 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions, and three fumbles.
Love had one true start against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9 which resulted in a 7-13 loss. Love was not terrible throughout the game and showed some promise, but the constant barrage of blitzes called in by Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was too much for Love to handle.
GM Brian Gutenkunst has publicly stated that he is unlikely to take any trade calls on Jordan Love, and while many doubt the calls are even coming in, the reality is Gutekunst should be making the calls himself.
The current quarterback situation in the NFL is very volatile with a weaker quarterback draft class approaching and several teams in dire need of a new signal-caller. This scenario is one that the Packers front office should capitalize on, as the QB class in the upcoming seasons may be stronger.
Several NFL franchises are in desperate need of a new quarterback and may be willing to take a risk on Love. The Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Carolina Panthers just to name a few are all in need of a new quarterback, and with veteran coaches in place (for two of those franchises at least) they could be willing to take on the first rounder.
Love has had the benefit of working under Rodgers’ tutelage and would need less development than any of the rookie QB’s in the 2022 class.
Another way this works in the Packers’ favor is what better way to erase any doubt in Rodgers’ mind than by acknowledging that they made a mistake in 2020 and trading away his heir apparent (think Garoppolo and Brady)?
The Green Bay Packers will have plenty of time in the future to do their research and select a quarterback of the future but now is the time to convince Rodgers to stay put. If the Packers front office could trade Love for an offensive player or another draft pick (which at this rate could possibly be a low 1st or high 2nd rounder) that could benefit their playoff push why not?
Gutekunst should swallow his pride, acknowledge the error many believe he made, and focus on the now.