Jordan Love could throw Packers future into major jeopardy

A Green Bay Packers insider hinted at the team’s worst fear: that a Jordan Love departure could throw the Aaron Rodgers succession plan into disarray.

Once Aaron Rodgers committed to the Green Bay Packers this offseason, it seemed that it was finally smooth sailing for the often-tumultuous negotiations between Rodgers and the Packers.

While the quarterback position was secured for the next few years, it seems another roster spot may be up for grabs soon enough: that of Rodgers’ successor in Wisconsin.

According to Packers insider Jason Wilde, Jordan Love isn’t interested in remaining Aaron Rodgers’ backup indefinitely. Although Love didn’t say anything directly, Wilde got the impression that Love will consider seeking a trade if Rodgers returns for the Packers next season.

“I had a really great conversation with Jordan [Love] on Friday afternoon,” Wilde said via Zone Coverage’s Ethan Thomas. “I think he very clearly, even though he wouldn’t flat-out say it, he does not want to sit for another year. So, if we get to year four, and Rodgers does come back, I am fairly confident that he will seek a trade.”

Jordan Love trade could throw Aaron Rodgers succession plan into jeopardy as Packers scramble

If Jordan Love does indeed leave Green Bay, it would disrupt a structured, continuous succession plan that’s been 30 years in the making. Realistically, the Packers haven’t had to worry about quarterbacks since 1992, when the team traded for Brett Favre after his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons.

Since then, the Packers have only had two franchise quarterbacks: Favre, then Rodgers. Rodgers had to wait three years until he could start at quarterback, so perhaps that’s the same timeline Love expects to see as well.

It’s understandable that Love, who has proven his capabilities in Rodgers’ absence, may not want to continue sitting behind Rodgers and waiting for him to retire. After all, Jimmy Garoppolo, the projected successor for Tom Brady in New England, was traded to the San Francisco 49ers and led the team all the way to a Super Bowl soon after. Players like Brady and Rodgers usually play as long as possible, which puts young backups — and their organizations — in difficult positions.

The Patriots seemed to luck out with Mac Jones, but there’s even been controversy in New England with Bailey Zappe also being a capable quarterback. If Love leaves, the Packers would likely have to hunt for Rodgers’ successor in the draft, which is always a gamble.

There’s also the possibility that the Packers could risk the present for a stable future by choosing Love over Rodgers, but it’s tough to imagine the Packers doing so when they gave Rodgers everything he wanted this offseason. Still, the 2022 season has been one of the worst to date, so it’s possible the current circumstances alter the situation. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst revealed this week that the Packers want Love to remain on a fifth-year option, praising Love for his development during his time in Green Bay.

Whatever happens, Wilde’s comments give fans an indication of more quarterback drama on the horizon — and this time, it’s not Aaron Rodgers asking for a bigger slice of the pie.