The Green Bay Packers might have a tough choice to make after the 2022 preseason concludes.
As of now, backup quarterback Jordan Love is contracted with the Packers until 2023.
However, the team could pick up his fifth-year option in 2024 to keep him in Green Bay.
But they also have Aaron Rodgers on an unknown schedule given the potential he could retire at any given time.
With Love being initially drafted as the successor to Rodgers, the latter’s new contract puts that in jeopardy.
If Love has a good preseason showing, it might force a trade of the replacement for Rodgers in Green Bay.
If Love Wants To Be A Starter, He Might Need A New Team
NFL teams still have quarterback needs going into 2022.
The Carolina Panthers can’t commit to Sam Darnold.
Here is #Panthers OC Ben McAdoo saying Sam Darnold is his starting QB then moments later reversing course, ‘announcing the starting quarterback here I just put my foot in the mouth that wasn’t something I should’ve said’ 😳🤦🏽♂️ 🤣 #KeepPounding @DNewtonespn https://t.co/g6cSMGvM3O pic.twitter.com/Vjj1zEzfK7
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) April 20, 2022
In Houston, the Texans need a quarterback after trading Deshaun Watson to Cleveland.
Seattle also needs a quarterback after trading Russell Wilson.
Unless they are content with Drew Lock as quarterback in 2022.
With NFL teams’ desire for a better quarterback in 2022, Love has his shot to be that guy.
However, with Rodgers missing one game in 2021, Love’s on-field play as a starter didn’t impress anyone.
Love might not be the replacement for Rodgers they thought he would become.
But a strong showing in the preseason could change his fate.
The team might trade him to any interested team if he wants to become a starter in 2022.
Can Love Show He’s Worthy Of A Starting Quarterback Role?
Love has seen very limited playing time in NFL games.
He only started one game and played in six games during 2021.
However, two appearances only saw him performing a quarterback kneel for the Packers offense.
In four games, he saw some type of action where he clearly didn’t look good.
The season saw him complete 36 out of 62 passes for two touchdowns and three interceptions.
That limited sample size doesn’t bode well for him if he’s attempting to become a starting quarterback.
Jordan Love 2021 stats- under 60% completion, more INTs than TDs, 31.4 qbr, 0-1 as a starter. not a great look for a guy that's supposed to be the future of the franchise for a team that drafted its next qb 4 years too early
— Steven Nelson (@snelly7644) March 3, 2022
However, he could impress with playing time in the preseason.
It will be his shot to show quarterback-needy teams he can fill a starting quarterback role they need.
But it will take hard work from him to accomplish this feat.
He has tools in Green Bay to accomplish these things.
If Rodgers is a team player, he can teach Love how to improve as a quarterback.
However, if he sees Love as a threat to his starting job, he might not help the young quarterback.
Without the needed help to improve, he might become a free agent after his contract expires with Green Bay.
If Green Bay Doesn’t Want Him, Which Team Would?
Several teams have already been mentioned with needing a quarterback.
However, it’s about which teams would show interest.
An impressive preseason might turn heads in Tampa Bay, who likely won’t have Tom Brady after 2022.
A trade in 2022 to Tampa would give Love a true MVP quarterback to learn from.
It would also give him a Super Bowl-ready team to play for in 2023.
NEXT: Packers Should Make Deebo Samuel Their Top Target
Jim Swarthow says
Horrible analysis..Love can replace Brady, but not Rodgers.. He actually gave the team a chance to win, on his first start, 2 fgs got blocked. It was the 3rd loudest stadium on the road against the defending afc champs..He outgained Mahomes in passing. And his first nfl start. Brett Favre had 3 fumble snaps and an interception his first game..Love had some pretty nice throws..just couldn’t do protections much like Fields disaster cake against Cleveland where he couldn’t call a protection to save his life.
Anonymous says
Rodgers won’t allow Love to replace him. He won’t help him and his contract is longer than Love’s. Rodgers calls the shots.