Matt LaFleur's joke might be a serious indication of how valuable Jordan Love is for the Packers

If the Green Bay Packers wanted or needed more proof of how valuable Jordan Love is for this offense, the first days of training camp have been a useful tool. With Love holding-in while his agents negotiate a contract extension with the Packers, last year's fifth-round pick Sean Clifford has practiced with the starters.

And, well, it hasn't been pretty.

Jokingly, head coach Matt LaFleur talked about Clifford's performance in Wednesday's practice. The backup had five interceptions.

"The offense threw like five picks the other day, which is maybe a record," LaFleur said. On a more serious note, he mentioned how important for the rest of the offense to help Clifford.

"There's been a couple good plays, and a couple plays he'd like to have back. We're only in camp," LaFleur stressed.

When asked about Love's situation, the head coach didn't have much to say.

"No updates," LaFleur added. "I wish he was out there. Again, it's out of my control. I'm just going to let it play out."

It's getting more important

Jordan Love has already missed three open practices. On Saturday, Green Bay will have their first practice of the year with pads, so Love's absence starts to be more meaningful.

Currently, the Packers have three quarterbacks available for practice. Beyond Sean Clifford, the roster has seventh-round rookie Michael Pratt and recently signed veteran Jacob Eason .

Negotiations

The Packers and Jordan Love are making progress towards an extension , according to The Athletic's NFL insider Dianna Russini. NBC's Mike Florio also reported that Love's deal is "pretty close."

Jordan Love is expected to become the highest-paid quarterback in football history, meaning he will get at least $55 million in yearly average.

Love finished 2023, his first season as a full-time starter, with 4,159 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He is already under contract through 2024, slated to make $11 million, but he probably won't practice and play before signing the extension aligned with his current market value.

Related: How the Packers can work around their standards to get Jordan Love's contract extension done