Jordan Love's behind-the-scenes actions 'speak volumes' amid Packers contract standoff

Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Sean Clifford said the teammate in front of him on the depth chart, Jordan Love , has impressed the locker room despite refusing to practice until signing a contract extension.

In order to avoid a catastrophic injury that would tank his value before agreeing to a new long-term deal, Love won't participate in any drill or preseason game before his agent finalizes a pact with Green Bay. Still, Clifford said Love remains on-site with the team, willing to contribute off the field amid the contract standoff.

"I don't think it's going to take super long [to reach a deal]," Clifford said via ESPN . "It's just what he's got to do now. But again, it speaks volumes - he's not in California, he's here. I got in here at 7. His bag was already in here. He's in early, he's staying late. He's doing all the little things so it's no worry from the players that's for sure."

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Clifford added: "He obviously wanted to be out there; he's been pushing to get out there. I don't even think it's him. It's more of other people making sure that he's taken care of. The organization is as well. They're doing their due diligence. He gave me a little bit of a heads up and said, 'Hey, just be ready.'"

Even the Packers front office is receptive to Love's stance, considering 2024 is the final year of his current contract. Starting NFL quarterbacks rarely go into a campaign without long-term financial security.

"We completely understand where he's coming from," said Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. "We're working really hard to get that done. At the same time, the thing I have confidence in is we both want the same thing."

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There's still ample time to work out a deal before preseason games start. Green Bay begins its tune-up schedule on Aug. 10 with a visit to the Cleveland Browns.

According to ESPN, Love could receive a contract that pays him more than $50 million per season. Just last summer, he faced questions about whether he could start in the NFL and perform acceptably. Now, after a tremendous campaign that exceeded almost all expectations, the Packers view him as a cornerstone piece.

Love threw 32 touchdown passes to just 11 interceptions in the regular season. He increased his passer rating in the playoffs, as he threw five touchdowns to two picks while pushing the San Francisco 49ers to the brink in the NFC divisional round.

“He’s a tough-minded sucker now,” LaFleur said during the playoffs. “He’s about the right ----. … He has earned it.”