Give Jordan Love a chance in Green Bay

Rumours have been circling around the future of Aaron Rodgers for a while.

The Green Bay front office seems willing to do anything to keep the four-time NFL MVP at Lambeau Field for another year. Talk of a potential trade Denver Broncos or even a possible retirement also isn’t going away.

While these rumours won’t bother Rodgers too much, there is one big question for Green Bay. What does this all mean for the supposed future of the franchise, Jordan Love?

DRAFT POLICY BACKFIRING?

The Packers made a bold yet surprising move in 2020 to spend their first-round draft pick on the Utah State quarterback, despite being reaching the NFC Championship in that year.

But given the successful transition from former All-Pro quarterback Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers a decade prior, using a similar ploy with Love initially seemed a good idea for Green Bay.

Love, drafted 26^th overall in 2020, was an exciting player in college. The Packers knew they had a lot to work on with the prospect when they selected him and there is no doubt he’s found it difficult so far as a pro. Yet, with a cannon of an arm, as well as good mobility and athleticism, the potential of Love is there for all to see.

Just a couple of years on, with Rodgers time with the Packers potentially coming to an end, this is supposed to be Love’s time. This is the time in theory for him to be given greater opportunities to pave his way becoming the new starter.

But following back-to-back MVP wins for Rodgers over the past two years, and no real sign of that form detreating, the Packers are prepared to go ‘all-in’ to entice the future Hall of Famer to stick around in Green Bay for at least another year.

Rodgers seemingly remains unconvinced and it has been heavily rumoured that he wants out. And the consequences of this incredible form over the last two years have had an impact on Love’s relationships with the Packers.

The four-time Super Bowl champions are now reportedly sceptical over the future of Love as a Packer, given his inconsistency when called upon. They may even try to trade him.

That’s what NFL insiders like Benjamin Allbright are saying, but he even predicts that Love wouldn’t even get a decent draft return if the Packers traded him this offseason.

Poor outings in 2021 against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions has seen Love’s stock plummet, but is he really worth ditching altogether?

GIVE YOUTH A CHANCE

The Packers have an ageing roster and are at risk of blowing a championship window with their team.

If they fail to keep Rodgers, they’ll certainly struggle to tie down Devante Adams long-term. Key pieces like Robert Tonyan and Marquez Valdes-Scantling could also leave. And that’s without mentioning the defense.

The Packers are already more than $50 million over the salary cap, even before convincing Rodgers to return. The odds for success in the short-term seem to be fading.

If the inevitable does happen and Rodgers leaves, the Packers should concentrate building around a young quarterback in Love and ensure that the transition isn’t too painful.

Jordan Love has only started once in the NFL but remains on a cheap rookie contract and has had two solid years of learning from Rodgers under his belt.

While he’s not shown his potential to full just yet, giving Love a platform to perform could do wonders for his development in the league.

Love doesn’t have much leeway given the two seasons of brilliance from Rodgers, but could force the Pakcers’ hand to commit to his future in 2022.

It’s obvious that Green Bay are doing everything to convince Rodgers to stay, but that might not be enough.

Are they doomed if he leaves? Perhaps, but they need a rebuild regardless.

Jordan Love should be given a chance to prove his worth at quarterback for Green Bay.