ESPN insider’s report brings mixed feelings regarding Jordan Love’s extension with the Packers

The Green Bay Packers wanted to get a contract extension done with quarterback Jordan Love before the start of training camp, but it doesn't seem like they will make it happen after all. According to ESPN's NFL insider Jeremy Fowler on SportsCenter, a deal isn't exactly close to getting signed.

However, there is good news too. The vibes are positive, according to Fowler, and the Packers want a clean negotiation after some years handling a tough relationship with previous starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

"The Packers and Love have had some discussions,” Fowler said. “I'm told the vibes are positive, but there hasn't been a lot of production as far as getting close to a deal. It's gonna take a little time."

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There are several layers to the discussion. Guarantees and length are big question marks, even though the total value and average per year are pretty much established by the market.

"The Packers know what the market is , it's $50+ million a year,” Fowler added. “GM Brian Gutekunst wants to get this done, after the messy couple years there with Aaron Rodgers, this one should be a little cleaner."

Quarterback negotiations

Since Gutekunst took over as the general manager in 2018, he has been involved in several contract negotiations with quarterbacks, so at this point he’s used to what it takes. He negotiated two extensions with Aaron Rodgers, in 2018 and 2022, alongside executive vice president and director of football operations Russ Ball.

They also were creative enough to make a one-year extension with Jordan Love last offseason, replacing the fifth-year option. That decision was helpful now, because the guarantees are lower, and at the same time Love is under contract for 2024 — he is slated to make $11 million, which gives the team some leverage.

Love is expected to attend training camp even without an extension, as both sides are willing to finalize a deal — it’s unlikely that the quarterback would play another game without a new contract in place. And Fowler expects these conversations to heat up on Monday, when the real practices begin in Green Bay.

Related: How the Packers are preparing themselves to give Jordan Love a big-time contract extension