The NFL trade deadline is always an exciting time of the year as notable players around the league could find themselves on a new team. The deadline is on November 2nd, meaning that trades could begin to pour in within the next week. While the Green Bay Packers haven’t expressed any interest in doing so, could they move Jordan Love before the deadline passes?
Love was selected by the Packers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, trading up to get him as the eventual replacement for Aaron Rodgers. Even though the decision to get Love has caused a rift between Rodgers and Green Bay’s organization, I find it hard to believe they’d part ways with Love, especially given the stock they put into getting him. Though, trading him may help Green Bay work towards repairing their relationship as they hope to convince him to stay beyond this season.
While a trade for Love seems unlikely at this point, here are four teams that should consider acquiring Love if he were made available.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a talented roster and a stout defense, but Ben Roethlisberger is holding them back. When watching Roethlisberger play this season, one would assume that this is his final season in the NFL.
While the Steelers have been high on Mason Rudolph, he isn’t the long-term answer to replace Roethlisberger. Dwayne Haskins showed flashes in the preseason, but Pittsburgh doesn’t seem confident in him leading the team moving forward.
With the Steelers not having a premier draft pick, and this year’s class of quarterbacks not being as good as expected, trading for Jordan Love with the Packers could be a wise move for the black and gold as they attempt to replace Roethlisberger.
Denver Broncos
Teddy Bridgewater is a fine bridge quarterback, but I don’t believe he should ever be a team’s long-term solution under center. Bridgewater has performed adequately for the Denver Broncos this season despite the team’s 3-4 record. The reason why Bridgewater was brought in was due to the Broncos knowing that former second-round pick, Drew Lock, isn’t the answer at quarterback.
Even though Jordan Love hasn’t had a single start in the NFL, he would be worth taking a shot on while Bridgewater can serve as a mentor for the young quarterback. If Love can reach his potential, he’d have a nice set of weapons for the future in Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, and Javonte Williams.
Washington Football Team
The Washington Football Team addressed the quarterback position this past offseason by signing Ryan Fitzpatrick. Sadly, Fitzpatrick suffered a hip injury early in the season, causing him to miss plenty of action this season.
Taylor Heinicke is playing in place of Fitzpatrick right now, but while he does make plays here and there, he hasn’t shown enough to warrant trusting him with the keys to the offense moving forward. There’s a good chance that Washington turns to the 2022 NFL Draft to find their hopeful franchise quarterback.
On the other hand, they could take a flier on Love in hopes that he can improve the rest of his game while possessing the ability to make big throws with his strong arm.
Carolina Panthers
Whenever the Carolina Panthers landed Sam Darnold via trade in the offseason, it seemed like a match made in heaven. Through the first three weeks, everything was going smoothly for the Panthers as Darnold helped lead them to a 3-0 record. However, things have taken a turn for the worse as Carolina has lost four straight games, in large part due to the dismal play of Darnold.
As the weeks progress, it feels like the chances of Darnold remaining the future quarterback of the Panthers seems to decline. With Carolina potentially seeking a quarterback after this season, acquiring Love from the Packers could make sense in an offense that wants to push the ball down the field more.
Having a trio of wide receivers that features D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and Terrace Marshall, along with Christian McCaffrey in the backfield, wouldn’t be an awful way to start your career if you’re Love.
