While nothing is official yet, all signs are pointing toward the Green Bay Packers having a new starting quarterback in 2023. Aaron Rodgers has been the starter since 2008 when he took over for Brett Favre, who was traded to the New York Jets.
Coincidentally, Green Bay is once again in negotiations with the Jets to take on their future Hall of Fame quarterback. Replacing Rodgers as the Packers’ starter will be Jordan Love, a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Utah State.
Much like Rodgers did with Favre, Love has been the backup for the first three seasons of his NFL career and is set to take over in Year 4. The Packers can only hope that Love follows a similar path, as they have had some of the best quarterback luck in the league for the better part of three decades.
But, the outlook wasn’t always so positive. Head coach Matt LaFleur recently spoke about Love’s development and how far along he has come. He admitted that there were some hesitations early on, but that has gone by the wayside.
Tom Clements was with the Packers from 2006-2016 as quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator and assistant head coach before his contract expired. He spent two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before announcing his retirement.
However, he was coaxed out of retirement in part by Rodgers in 2022. Rodgers thinks very highly of him and now Clements will have the chance to work with and develop Love. Based on what LaFleur shared, so far so good in that regard.
Love came on in relief of Rodgers on a few occasions during the 2022 season. While the sample size was small, it was a positive one as he had the highest passer rating among players with at least 20 pass attempts. If he can get near that level of success over the course of an entire season, the Packers’ offense will be humming like a well-oiled machine.
