Cory's Corner: No Brainer For Fifth-Year Option
The Packers could've found out if Love was deserving of the option. They didn't and now Green Bay is out of options.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has had a successful week. He got a very good haul for 39-year-old Aaron Rodgers. He navigated the NFL Draft superbly. The Packers got players at premier positions and added depth to places that have been very thin.
But now he has to make a decision about his starting quarterback — before dinner time. Does Jordan Love warrant the fully guaranteed fifth-year option price tag of $20.272 million?
Of course the answer is obvious — hell yes he does! The Packers had numerous opportunities to find out if Love could play last year when Rodgers was dealing with an injured thumb on his throwing hand. Of course, that never happened and now the Packers are wrestling with the future of the quarterback position with a guy that has started one game, played in 10 and has only attempted 83 passes in three seasons.
“It’s a lot of money for a guy who hasn’t played,” Gutekunst said on Saturday. “But at the same time, obviously, we’re moving forward with him.”
I agree that it’s a lot of money, but at the same time, what else are you going to do? Hope that the Jets play poor enough to give the Packers a top 12 pick and Green Bay is fortunate to wind up with Bo Nix?
This is a no brainer because of the poor decision making that has surrounded this move. The Packers traded up to take Love. I questioned the move back in 2020, but if Gutekunst truly believed in the Utah State standout, then he knew that he was going to be the future starting quarterback — not for just one year, but for several.
So now is not the time to question dollars and cents. Now is the time to believe in a quarterback that is desperate for confidence.
I’ve said this time and time again. I have no idea what the future holds with Love. It would be a great story if he turns into a consistent All-Pro, marking three consecutive elite starting quarterbacks dating back to Brett Favre. But it’s more likely that Love is average to good.
It’s hard to believe that Love has been a Packer for three years, especially because he didn’t even dress his rookie season. Forget the entire state of Wisconsin questioning if he can do it, how many times do you think Love has questioned himself ever since Rodgers told the world on March 15 that he was going to be a Jet?
Now is the time to believe in Love. Believe in coach Matt LaFleur and believe in the offensive tools that surround the unproven quarterback.
The moment the Packers decided to move on from Rodgers was the moment they had to say yes to the fifth-year option — a FaceTime call notwithstanding.
The fact that it hasn’t happened yet is a little puzzling. It’s the most important position in all of sports. Why wouldn’t you want to put the rest of the locker room at ease with a guy that has been there, knows the playbook and knows the weapons?
That’s why this has been so confusing. The Packers have had several chances to see what they had in Love, only to turn each opportunity down.
Now, time’s up. And if Love flames out, the Packers don’t have anyone to blame but themselves.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (51)
GregC
May 02, 2023 at 06:35 am
From what I've heard, teams often wait till the last minute on decisions like this just in case some weird thing happens. In this case, it might have to be something as weird as Jordan Love getting injured in a car accident. There doesn't seem to be any real doubt that the Packers will use the fifth-year option on Love. I agree that they should've given him more chance to play last season.
Crystalblue1
May 02, 2023 at 08:07 am
U are right there is nothing puzzling about it.Just this morning a former GM said Teams wait till the last day last practice being they are already in phase one in case the player gets hurt during his workout .So u are correct
HarryHodag
May 02, 2023 at 08:39 am
If you're Matt LF how do you explain benching a Hall of Famer to put in his back up? MLF is charged with winning games not creating 'fairness'.
Coldworld
May 02, 2023 at 08:47 am
Thumb
Samson
May 02, 2023 at 06:54 am
Unfortunately, the Packers were still "AR Addicted" (last season) & have pretty much bungled the timing on Love's 5th-year option...It'll happen today & become old news tomorrow (except in the ever analyzing media).
Most fans & hopefully the 'regime' are moving forward to season 2023... The fans aren't on the hot seat but beads of sweat are still forming on most of the 'regime'.... They need to Relax.....Most of them have two seasons to prove their worth.
RCPackerFan
May 02, 2023 at 06:58 am
I'm assuming Packers will put the 5th year option on him.
The only reason why I can figure out why they wouldn't put the option on him would be if they maybe they were trying to negotiate a longer term deal for cheaper.
Who knows. I would anticipate it being done today though.
Crystalblue1
May 02, 2023 at 08:10 am
No most teams wait till the last day invade the qb gets Injured during phase 1 of volunteer OTAs.That’s all it Is.Should here something soon in a few hours I would assume or they may just wait and if he balls out then they extend him like they did 12 in 2008.They ended up extending him in the middle of the season.
Coldworld
May 02, 2023 at 09:05 am
Exactly RC. It depends on the progress towards an agreement. That depends as much on Love as us.
Will he trade the 2024 guarantee for a longer deal, knowing the team had few options if they do Intend to start him now then they have to have him under contract in 2024 to make that worthwhile. On the other hand, we are still playing cap limbo. That makes it hard to replace the guarantee with money now that hits the cap this year and next.
It maybe that both sides have accepted a framework but that it can’t be put in place yet for practical cap purposes. Love will know that it’s in his best interest to start here, now, with a set up that knows him and with which is familiar. The Packers know that if they start him he has to be locked up for 2024 at least to make sense. Is the option the best way to achieve that given our cap straightjacket now and the relaxation of that expected to start next year?
If not, then they will either have been finalizing an agreement or have one agreed that’s dependent on actions or deadlines being reached first. Such a deal probably will come with a lot of incentives/escalators that will be deemed unlikely to be earned and thus hitting the cap in 2024 (we could achieve that by simply putting in a low snap or 2 games started threshold). Maybe that’s what comes out, a new agreement.
If the option is taken up then either the Packers couldn’t manoever under our cap enough at this point, or the sides couldn’t agree. If there is no option, a new agreement will be coming, but it’s not finalized yet, perhaps not till after other steps are taken. I see no scenario where the team risks starting Love without him secure for 2024, and u don’t think Love would be any wiser to risk that either.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 02, 2023 at 09:35 am
Well done CW! Spot on!
RCPackerFan
May 02, 2023 at 09:47 am
With Packers signing Love to a 1 year extension, we will see the framework of the deal. But it makes sense that the Packers signed him to an extension vs doing the 5th year option.
Smart move by GB.
RCPackerFan
May 02, 2023 at 09:34 am
Well I was close.
They ended up giving him a 1 year extension vs doing the 5th year option. Really smart move on GB's part.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 02, 2023 at 09:36 am
Agree!
greengold
May 02, 2023 at 09:43 am
NIIIIICE!
Well done, Packers. $13.5 guaranteed, can be worth up to $22.5M. Perfect!
RCPackerFan
May 02, 2023 at 09:48 am
I am curious to see the framework of the deal. To see how much goes against the cap and whatnot.
NickPerry
May 02, 2023 at 07:12 am
I really don't see any other option and to be honest I wish Gutekunst would keep his comments about it being a lot of money to himself. YES, it's a lot f money but it's a pittance when compared to that RIDICULOUS contract your boss Mark Murphy gave Rodgers. This is YOUR guy Gute, back him the F up and be happy and confident about it! IT IS TIME...
This is the bed you made Brian Gutekunst. Let's back that kid up, sound stoked when taking about him, and just exercise the damn option so Love knows the man who drafted him is 100% behind him. Not hmmming and haaaaing about a $20 million dollar extension.
greengold
May 02, 2023 at 07:28 am
Gutekunst said he was going to get it done today. Tight schedule. A lot going on.
LeotisHarris
May 02, 2023 at 08:42 am
Yep, meetings, meetings, meetings. Plus, it's Taco Tuesday, *and* there's a birthday party (sheet cake!) for Janice in Accounting at lunchtime.
Since'61
May 02, 2023 at 08:45 am
Cookie for Leotis! Thanks, Since '61
greengold
May 02, 2023 at 09:37 am
You had me at both “sheet cake,” and “Janice.”
Lolz
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 02, 2023 at 06:59 pm
Can always count on you Leo to insert a little humor! :)
murf7777
May 02, 2023 at 08:51 am
I agree Nick and it’s Pittance to what the NYG had to give Danny dimes for not giving him the 5th year option 4 years 160M for an average of 40M per.
NickPerry
May 02, 2023 at 04:14 pm
Good point...They were just talking about that on a podcast IIRC.
Untylu1968
May 02, 2023 at 07:18 am
There's nothing wrong with having an earn it year. In the end, if Love plays lights out, he either ends up getting franchised or extended. If he succeeds, it'll cost the Packers in the long haul, if he fails, we're not tied to a wasted, big contract and is back to the drawing board. Rodgers playing through his broken thumb, cost is in so many ways!
greengold
May 02, 2023 at 07:25 am
Yeah, Untylu1968, I hear you.
Problem in that scenario is Love playing out his deal and hitting the open market.
Packers lost their prove it year with Love last season when they failed to trade AR.
RCPackerFan
May 02, 2023 at 07:30 am
Sort of. They could do without the 5th year option and do the franchise tag if they chose to. I don't know what the price difference would be. But it is an option.
Coldworld
May 02, 2023 at 09:22 am
No, it’s not. That can’t be applied to a player whose 5th year option has been declined.
Untylu1968
May 02, 2023 at 07:46 am
The four or five games that Rodgers should've been sitting and healing up, may have been enough to earn that fifth year for Love. No matter what, it's going to cost us in the end, I like the pressure to produce that'll be put on Love. We're about to see what he's made of, and I LOVE it! I hope he earns a big five year contract, when it's all said and done. I'll be rooting for his success, like I do for all that wear the Green and Gold...
greengold
May 02, 2023 at 07:53 am
You & RC both bring up great points. I just don’t think they’ll mess around with this and they have a plan. Pick up the option, then extend him? Buy a little time?
Not following through would be akin to a lame duck coaching season.
They know what they’re getting. Easy enough for them to pick it up.
Coldworld
May 02, 2023 at 09:14 am
Yes, and then they squandered a chance at a preview by letting Rodgers start injured because there was a mathematical possibility of creeping into the playoff back door. I think TT would have quashed that in those circumstances, but Murphy is not TT and Gutekunst doesn’t have the power.
fthisJack
May 02, 2023 at 08:40 am
I agree.....make him earn his money with a prove it year. Why throw money away when you need the cap space desperately. He ain't going anywhere if he has a good year.
Untylu1968
May 02, 2023 at 09:03 am
BINGO!
Coldworld
May 02, 2023 at 09:20 am
If you play that game and he’s good, then it will cost us the farm. He will have our backs against the wall. Contracts can be structured very flexibly to adjust to performance. There no need to take those gambles. We can balance the risk reward through incentives snd accelerator clauses that reflect how he’s doing. We all know if he turns out brilliantly he will get more eventually and if he bombs he won’t see the full deal. The question is, with our cap can we structure that type of deal agreeably to both dudes now? If not, the option is a fallback we brought in ourselves.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 02, 2023 at 09:42 am
Never ever understand the Packers mentality of not playing Love at least 'some' during that 5 game window.
Now Love starts the season untested, eyes wide open from scratch and might need the first couple of games to a month at beginning of the season to settle down and relax. Not the smartest on LF's part IMO!
TxFred
May 02, 2023 at 10:23 am
Well said. He doesn't cut it, send his ass packing. It's business, not a "love-fest". Next jar on the shelf.
Houndog
May 02, 2023 at 07:24 am
First Murphy, and now Gutekunst.
Don't these clowns know how to keep their mouths shut?
Murphy's comments on Rodgers were no big surprise, he's an idiot, but now Gutey whiffing at locking up Love and making it public, that's a hell of a way to breath confidence into the new starting QB that YOU moved up to draft.
Screw these guys, I hope Love sets the world on fire.
Untylu1968
May 02, 2023 at 08:12 am
If he sets the world on fire, it's great for everyone, and I hope he does! If he fails miserably, the FO now looks pretty smart. My guess is, Love isn't a little bitch and he appreciates and understands what's going on. Play great and be rewarded. There's nothing wrong with that concept...
CHEESEHEADDALLAS
May 02, 2023 at 10:20 am
This just goes to prove we have twitel d and twitel dume runing this teame the merph tones shoud have been fired when they made that stupid ass draft in 2020. What would serve them right if Love said screw you leaves the team and becomes a HOF qb for someone else be perpared fo the reencarnation of the packer tems of the 70 and 80 the joke of the NFL.
stockholder
May 02, 2023 at 07:50 am
What are you waiting For?
Failure- Then the excuses come.
There isn't anybody picking the packers
to win. Nobody--- Strike one.
Who is Love? Nobody Knows.
The Who; does not transfer into 20 mil.
And the double edge sword is to wait.
They can't pay franchise money- Yet- Strike 2.
Who will get the blame now.
Rodgers isn't here to adjust the plays.
Love or MLF?
When the packers bring in players;
They either get signed right away, or passed on.
It's been 3 years. Why is Love, still a Guess?
No Brainer: - No It's the Twilight Zone.
HarryHodag
May 02, 2023 at 08:41 am
Did you make a trip to Peru?
LeotisHarris
May 02, 2023 at 08:45 am
Whatever, man. It's not fair to drag Townshend and Daltrey et al into this.
Since'61
May 02, 2023 at 07:54 am
I'm confident that the Packers will get a deal done. Although they could make this is a prove it season for Love or let him start the season, see how he plays and then reward him with an extension.
The bottom line is that the Packers have no excuse for not playing Love while Rodgers was injured last season. That was poor decision making on a number of levels and it was unnecessary. The decision not to play Love sent the wrong message to Love and to the team. But the current management team from Murphy down to MLF has been consistently mediocre in their decision making process and in their communications. We repeatedly see miscommunication from the FO down to the field level specifically during the games on the defensive side of the ball.
Two more seasons to go. Thanks, Since '61
T7Steve
May 02, 2023 at 08:21 am
I think they'll exercise the 5th year option, give the kid some confidence, then extend him after this season. That way he'll actually make more in the long run but will be more cap friendly. Teams do this all the time.
It's not like locking yourself into a contract with a 40 year old. They have all the time in the world to work it out now that he's the started for this year.
Coldworld
May 02, 2023 at 09:28 am
Once the option is exercised, it’s fully guaranteed and, while a longer term deal can be agreed, that deal can’t reduce the guarantee in size or spread it out. Thus that cal hit next year would be set in stone. It doesn’t matter if he’s hurt or cut, he still gets paid that amount in full in 2024 and it all hits the cap that year too.
That can be used cleverly to reduce his hit in subsequent years as part of a longer term deal. That might actually help the team be more competitive afterwards, but that’s about it for upside.
Johnblood27
May 02, 2023 at 07:59 am
Just wrap him up for 4-5 years.
The FO knows exactly who he is.
With no other bullets in the gun, Love is the only horse in the GB QB race for the foreseeable future.
Go ahead and make a reasonable commitment of middle third QB money for 4-5 years with some outs for either side.
The franchise tag is always available as a nuclear option if Love totally balls out and exercises an out in 2 or 3 years.
The bet has already been placed and locked in. Roll the ball and lets see what number it lands on.
stockholder
May 02, 2023 at 12:49 pm
8
Rebelgb
May 02, 2023 at 09:02 am
Well you cant really let him "play to get paid". Logically its a very bad idea. You need to pay him the 5th and if he sucks, then you bite the bullet. A rookie QB next year out of the draft isnt going to cost you much if you are suddenly looking to replace Love.
The problem with letting it ride and not paying him now isnt in him lighting it up. That would be great. Then you can tag his ass. The problem is him playing just "so so". See if he plays just ok what do you do? Its one year starting so you cant just give up on him. Even if there is some serious warning signs (inability to read defenses, too many fumbles). On the other hand an ok QB in this league is better than 50% of the QB's on the other 31 teams. Now you have a QB hitting the free agent market who isnt even close to deserving the franchise tag price, and hasnt played well enough to warrant a long term contract. What the hell do you do when Miami offers him 30 mill a year for 4 years?
TxFred
May 02, 2023 at 10:16 am
Just don't paint yourself in a corner, again. Not farve/Rodgers 3.0.
TarynsEyes
May 02, 2023 at 10:41 am
The Packers just guaranteed Love the two years to prove his worth going forward for less guaranteed money.
stockholder
May 02, 2023 at 01:04 pm
And if he doesn't?
It takes 3 more years for the next class.
Rarescope
May 02, 2023 at 12:01 pm
Typical Cory article lol - attempts to stir up the fanbase with conspiracy theories about why GB hasn't extended JLove's contract and within hours of the articles posting it is announced that JLove's contract has been extended. Good discussion in the comments though guys, was a good read this morning.
greengold
May 02, 2023 at 12:04 pm
Both true and funny. lololol