The Green Bay Packers have long been a franchise synonymous with quarterback stability, seamlessly transitioning from the legendary Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers, and now to Jordan Love. However, the team’s recent decision to sign Love to a four-year, $220 million contract extension—making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history—has sparked heated debate. After a promising 2023 season, Love’s 2024 performance raised red flags, prompting analysts to issue a bold warning: the Packers may come to regret their massive bet on the 26-year-old signal-caller.
A High-Stakes Gamble on a Rising Star
When the Packers handed Jordan Love a $220 million deal in July 2024, complete with a record-breaking $75 million signing bonus and $155 million in guarantees, they signaled their belief in him as the franchise’s future. The contract, which ties him with Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow as the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback, was a reward for his breakout 2023 season. That year, Love threw for over 3,900 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, leading the Packers to an 11-6 record and a playoff berth. His late-season surge and playoff performance, where he posted a 108.6 passer rating in his first two postseason games, convinced the Packers’ front office that he was worth the investment. General Manager Brian Gutekunst praised Love’s growth, stating, “For as good as he played, there’s so much more in front of him.”
Yet, the 2024 season painted a less rosy picture. Injuries, including a Week 1 MCL sprain and a subsequent groin injury, hampered Love’s performance. While he maintained a respectable 11-5 record in the ultra-competitive NFC North, his statistical output stagnated. His passer rating remained nearly identical to 2023, and his interception percentage increased. Love threw 11 interceptions in both 2023 and 2024, despite fewer pass attempts in the latter, signaling persistent issues with decision-making. A particularly rough playoff performance—three interceptions and zero touchdowns in a single game—further fueled concerns about his consistency.
The Malik Willis Factor: A Contrast in Styles
The 2024 season took an unexpected turn when injuries forced the Packers to turn to backup quarterback Malik Willis. Acquired from the Tennessee Titans, Willis stepped in and delivered a surprising performance, completing 74.1% of his passes for 550 yards, three touchdowns, and, most notably, zero turnovers in seven games. His conservative, turnover-free style stood in stark contrast to Love’s gunslinger mentality, which often saw him put the ball in harm’s way. Analyst Henry McKenna of Fox Sports highlighted this disparity, noting, “The backup won both his starts by playing conservative, turnover-free football—the opposite of the way Love plays.”
Willis’s success, albeit in a limited sample, raised uncomfortable questions about Love’s fit as the long-term starter. McKenna argued that the Packers’ investment in Love after just one strong season carried significant risk, especially given his 2024 struggles. “There’s a real chance Love continues to put the ball in harm’s way—and, in turn, occasionally interfere with the Packers’ playoff hopes,” McKenna wrote. He even went as far as to call Love’s contract “overpaid,” suggesting it hasn’t aged well.
Building Around Love: The Packers’ Plan
To their credit, the Packers have gone all-in to support Love. In the 2025 offseason, they bolstered their receiving corps by drafting speedster Matthew Golden (4.29-second 40-yard dash) and versatile Savion Williams, aiming to give Love more weapons. Golden, in particular, has been touted as a potential WR1, with his exceptional hands and route-running ability expected to address the team’s drop issues (the Packers ranked 27th in the NFL with 29 drops in 2024). The team also added depth to the offensive line and running game, with players like Josh Jacobs and rookie MarShawn Lloyd expected to reduce the pressure on Love to carry the offense through the air.
However, these additions come with heightened expectations. With a talented supporting cast, Love has little room for excuses in 2025. Analysts argue that if he fails to deliver with this level of talent around him, it could signal deeper concerns about his trajectory—and the franchise’s direction. As Shane Shoemaker of ClutchPoints noted, “If Love can’t deliver with this much talent surrounding him in 2025, it may no longer be too early to worry about his trajectory—or the direction of the franchise itself.”
A Critical Year Looms
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a make-or-break year for Jordan Love. Entering his third full season as a starter and sixth year in the NFL, he faces immense pressure to prove he can live up to his contract. Historical comparisons add weight to this moment: at a similar point in their careers, quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Joe Burrow had breakout seasons that solidified their status as elites. Meanwhile, Love’s 18-15 regular-season record and 1-2 postseason mark leave room for doubt.
On the optimistic side, some analysts believe Love has the potential to rebound. Pro Football Network suggested he could enter the MVP conversation in 2025, citing his ability to play within himself late in 2024 and a favorable third-place schedule. Coach Matt LaFleur remains a staunch supporter, calling Love “an ascending player that is going to get better and better.” Yet, LaFleur also acknowledged the tough lessons from 2024, emphasizing that Love’s ability to learn from his mistakes will be critical.
The Risk of a Billion-Dollar Mistake
The Packers’ $220 million bet on Jordan Love is a high-stakes gamble on his potential to become a top-tier quarterback. While his 2023 season showed flashes of brilliance, 2024 exposed vulnerabilities that could haunt the franchise if they persist. Injuries played a role, but Love’s inconsistent decision-making and propensity for turnovers have raised legitimate concerns. The emergence of Malik Willis as a reliable backup only amplifies the scrutiny, as does the team’s investment in a talented supporting cast.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Love to silence the doubters. If he can stay healthy, refine his decision-making, and capitalize on his upgraded roster, he could cement his status as the Packers’ franchise quarterback. But if the turnovers and inconsistency continue, the warnings of analysts like Henry McKenna may prove prophetic, and the Packers could find themselves regretting a contract that once seemed like a bold step forward. The clock is ticking on Jordan Love—and the future of Green Bay’s storied franchise hangs in the balance.