(Packers) Brian Gutekunst’s Bold Statement On Jordan Love’s Future

Brian Gutekunst talks about Jordan Love

Brian Gutekunst had a lot to say about quarterbacks during his press conference Friday. That’s not surprising, as this offseason, the quarterback carousel will set up right across the coaching one at the NFL offseason carnival. The Packers have been rumored in trades involving Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love, and possibly bringing in outside help to Green Bay.

Gutekunst made comments that indicated that the Packers were committed to Rodgers’ contract. According to Bill Huber with Sports Illustrated, Gutekunst hinted that Rodgers would be the starter over Jordan Love if they were both on the team next season. However, Gutekunst’s choice of GM Speak could make it sound like he could be dressing up Rodgers for a trade, as he said Rodgers would start for “many teams”:

So, it’s no different than when we moved from Brett (Favre) to Aaron. That’s a hard thing to say, but at the same time where Aaron’s at, the level he’s at, there’s not many teams he wouldn’t give the best chance to win.”

Trading Rodgers isn’t likely, but a GM’s job is to explore all options to do what’s best for the team.

Love wants to play

However, Gutekunst was asked about Love’s potential to start for the Packers or elsewhere. Given the fact that Rodgers has no financial reason to retire, one would assume Rodgers would come back to the Packers if he wasn’t traded. According to Matt Schneidman with The Athletic, Gutekunst said he’s ready to play but stopped short of saying he’d play over Rodgers in 2023. 

“I definitely think he’s ready to play. I think he feels that way. I think he’s chomping at the bit.”

Brian Gutekunst on Jordan Love: “I definitely think he’s ready to play. I think he feels that way. I think he’s chomping at the bit.”

Asked who he thinks gives Packers best chance to win next season, Gutekunst first mentions that Rodgers is the four-time MVP.

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 13, 2023

That’s a pretty big indicator that something might be coming up the pipeline in the Packers quarterback room. Love is heading into his fourth NFL season. Reports have come out during the fall that Love will request a trade this offseason.

Gutekunst acknowledges that Love feels he can be a starter in the NFL and wants the opportunity. Why would he want to waste another year with a blank stat line? It would seem unlikely that Love and the Packers can keep their current status quo. We’ll see what Gutekunst chooses to do in the coming months.