The Green Bay Packers had to be ecstatic when they were able to work out an extension with Aaron Rodgers that will likely keep him in town through the rest of his career. The only person that likely was disappointed by Rodgers coming back was Jordan Love.
Love, who the Packers traded up to select in the 2020 NFL Draft, now has no path to playing time in Green Bay. He was expected to be the heir apparent to Rodgers, but instead, the start of his career has consisted of clipboard holding and one uninspired start against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 26th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is likely hoping he gets traded so that he can try and earn a starting job elsewhere around the league. There are a few teams that would be able to provide him a chance at doing so much sooner than the Packers will be able to.
Where could we see Love suit up in Week 1? Here are three teams who should still consider making a trade for him this offseason.
3. New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints re-signed Jameis Winston in free agency and brought in Andy Dalton as well for insurance. That has not stopped people from pegging the Saints as one of the teams that will seriously consider a quarterback with their first-round pick.
While Love is already two seasons into his rookie deal, he wouldn’t cost New Orleans a first-round pick. They could use that pick to fill another hole on the roster while trading a middle to late-round pick to the Packers.
The signings of Winston and Dalton shouldn’t preclude the Saints from looking to add a younger quarterback to the mix. Bringing Love in and giving him a chance to compete for the starting job with Winston rehabbing could present the Saints with their long-term answer at the position.
Still only 23-years old, Jordan Love just needs some experience to see what he can do at this level.
2. Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons made a big change at the quarterback position this offseason, trading Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts. They quickly filled the void in the starting lineup by signing Marcus Mariota, who has experience playing under Arthur Smith from their time with the Tennessee Titans.
Mariota could have a career renaissance in Atlanta, but buying low on Love would be a smart move as well. Love would still have two seasons on his rookie deal to prove himself before the Falcons have to make a decision about his fifth-year option.
The only downside to the Falcons for a young quarterback is that they are lacking weapons. Atlanta has arguably the least intimidating group of running backs, tight ends and wide receivers in the league.
1. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are in desperate need of a quarterback. Things didn’t work out with Sam Darnold last season and the second stint of Cam Newton didn’t go well either.
With only one selection in the top-100, there are a lot of people speculating that the Panthers could use the No. 6 overall pick on a quarterback. But, if they can land Love for a late-round pick, that would be the better route to take.
Carolina has some excellent pieces in place for a young quarterback to succeed right away. Christian McCaffrey, when healthy, is arguably the best running back in the NFL. D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson are an excellent wide receiver duo with a young, promising pass catcher in Terrace Marshall Jr. as the No. 3.
Landing in Carolina would present Jordan Love a chance to start right away and find success given the players he would be surrounded by. Entering Year 3, the Panthers would have a few seasons to evaluate Love to see if he is capable of being the long-term answer.
