Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love, The Tantalizing Debate Continues

​​It’s no secret that the Green Bay Packers are at a crossroads in their illustrious history. For nearly 15 years, Rodgers has been the man under center. Within those 15 years sits a Hall of Fame career: four MVPs, a 10-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl MVP, and a slideshow full of throws that only a select few could ever make. Yet, the Packers have had a first-round draft pick backing up Rodgers for nearly 3 seasons. After a down year by his accords, Rodger’s future as the quarterback is up in the air. 

The Case for Aaron Rodgers

The 2022-23 NFL season was not very kind to the future Hall of Famer. Despite throwing 26 touchdowns, passing for 3,695 yards, and having a solid 64.6 completion rate; Rodgers threw 12 interceptions, the most since 2010. It’s also important to note that he lost All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams, his offensive coordinator, and his quarterback’s coach. Rodgers also dealt with injuries throughout the season and had to work with two rookie receivers.

By all accounts, this season was not the “Aaron Rodgers” level that we have become so accustomed to. It is easy to forget that Rodgers won back-to-back MVPs in 2020-2021, and still makes throws that maybe only five other quarterbacks in the history of the NFL can make. As the season went on, it was clear that Rodgers was starting to click with his new wide receivers, providing hope that next season could see the return of the Rodgers everyone knows.

At this point, Rodgers holds all of the power. Despite signing a three-year deal last year, it is very possible Rodgers has played his last game as a Green Bay Packer. While the football world waits, once again, for Rodgers to make his decision, the front office must scheme for whatever scenario happens.

The Case for Jordan Love

Jordan Love finds himself in a very unique position. The Packers took Love with their first pick in the 2020 NFL draft, shocking the football world. Yet, there are striking similarities to when Rodgers was drafted back in 2005 when Brett Farve was still their QB. Love has now had three full seasons sitting behind Rodgers and has only gotten one start during the 2021 season when Rodgers couldn’t play due to COVID.

Entering his fourth year, Love looks primed to take over the starting spot for the Packers. Despite only starting one game, he has shown flashes of the potential that made the Packers use a first-round pick on him. Much like Rodgers in 2008, Love has paid his dues as the young backup and is ready to take the helm. With a young receiving core, a young head coach, and the number 15 pick in the 2023 draft, the Packers can do everything they can to set Love up for success.

Where Does This Leave the Packers

This situation is less than ideal for the Packers’ front office. While Rodgers contemplates his future, there is very little they can do. If they come out and publicly commit to Love, there is almost zero chance that Rodgers returns. On the flip side, if they publicly commit to Rodgers, it would leave Love as a backup QB in his fourth year and would most likely ask for a trade.

It certainly isn’t an easy time to be a member of the Green Bay front office. With the future of the franchise hanging in the balance, they are certainly on edge. Only time will tell what the future of the QB position for the Packers is so expect the unexpected.