The Packers are expecting big things from Jordan Love after he led the team to the playoffs in his first full season as a starter.
But for Love to accomplish those goals, he'll need to be on the field, and he won't be to start Green Bay's training camp in 2024.
The good news is Love isn't dealing with any injury issues. He's simply holding out as he looks to get a new contract from the Packers.
Love is playing on the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. The 2020 first-round pick had his fifth-year option declined, but agreed to a maximum rookie extension with the team to give them some certainty beyond the 2023 campaign.
But what's next for the Packers as they look to navigate this situation? Here's what to know about Love's status and when Green Bay fans can expect to see him on the practice field.
IYER: 5 teams with the most to prove during NFL training camp
Why isn't Jordan Love practicing?
Love isn't practicing because he is awaiting a lucrative contract extension from the Packers. The 25-year-old's representation advised him not to practice until a deal is done, as Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst revealed in a news conference Monday.
"I think it was Saturday night, they kinda informed us that until we get something done, he would not practice," Gutekunst said. "So, unless something gets done before practice here — pretty soon — he will not be practicing."
Love performed well in his first year as a starter. He completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while leading the Packers to a playoff berth and a wild-card upset of the Cowboys.
Love enters the 2024 NFL season set to play on a one-year extension he signed with the Packers before the 2023 season. He is set to be just the 19th-highest-paid quarterback in average annual value (AAV), so Gutekunst said it was "not unexpected" the young signal caller and his camp wanted a raise.
Gutekunst also voiced confidence in Love, referring to him as Green Bay's "franchise quarterback."
"We're ready to move forward," the Packers GM said. "It's not like we're trying to make that decision."
#Packers GM Brian Gutekunst on the contract negotiations with Jordan Love👇
— 97.3 The Game (@TheGameMKE) July 22, 2024
“We know that he’s our franchise quarterback…but at the same time we want to put the best team around him we can.” pic.twitter.com/m1aQJvLNMO
Why the wait? Gutekunst is ensuring the Packers structure it properly and give themselves the flexibility needed to build a contender around Love. The two parties haven't reached a mutually-beneficial pact yet, but Gutekunst seems to believe his young quarterback won't be out of training camp action too long.
"I feel we’re close," the Packers executive said when asked about Love's contract.
MORE: Packers sign DT Kenny Clark to big-money extension
Is Jordan Love holding out?
Love's refusal to practice may sound like a hold out, but it's not. It falls more into the "hold in" bucket, which has become more popular among NFL players in recent offseasons.
"Holding in" occurs when a player reports to his team but sits out normally mandatory practices. Gutekunst revealed Love is in the building and ready to go if the two sides strike a deal.
"He reported last week. He's taken part in everything else," Gutekunst said, referencing Love's body of work during the offseason.
Thus, barring a longer hold-in than expected, it shouldn't be too difficult for Love to get back into rhythm with his top offensive playmakers.
MORE: Predicting the winners of each training camp QB battle
Jordan Love contract details
Love is playing the 2024 season on a one-year extension with a base value of $13.5 million and is worth up to $22.5 million, per Spotrac.com. He signed the deal during the 2023 offseason, shortly after the Packers declined his fifth-year option.
Love had made just one career start when he inked the extension with the Packers, so the deal seemed sensible. But after Love outperformed his contract in 2023, it became clear he was underpaid and trending toward being a solid, young starter with upside.
Below is a full breakdown of Love's contract for the 2024 NFL season, which contains void years that help defray his salary cap hit:
| Year | Base salary | Bonuses | Cap hit | Dead cap |
| 2024 | $10,500,000 | $2,257,731 | $12,757,731 | $12,530,924 |
| 2025* | — | $1,757,731 | $5,273,193 | $5,273,193 |
| 2026* | — | $1,757,731 | $1,757,731 | — |
| 2027* | — | $1,757,731 | $1,757,731 | — |
Love has $9 million in escalator bonuses in his contract that could make it more valuable up to the aforementioned mark of $22.5 million in AAV. Even so, he figures to get a hefty raise from his contract's maximum value when he agrees to a new deal with the Packers.
