The Green Bay Packers are optimistic a new deal will get done soon, but quarterback Jordan Love informed the team on Saturday that he won’t be on the practice field during training camp until his new contract with the Packers is completed.
Instead of risking a significant injury during practices, Love — who is entering the final year of his current deal — will protect himself and wait until the new deal is done.
“These are big deals, they take time,” general manager Gutekunst said Monday. “Until we get that resolved, he will not be practicing.”
“We certainly understand where he’s coming from.”
Coach Matt LaFleur said Love would be present at practice but not participating.
Gutekunst said a new deal could get done in the next few days and he’s “optimistic” something will get completed soon. The Packers open training camp with a practice on Monday morning.
“I feel we’re close,” Gutekunst said of negotiations.
Love, a 2020 first-round pick, established himself as a franchise quarterback during his first season as the starter in 2023. With just one year remaining on his contract, now is the time for Love and the Packers to come to agreement on a lucrative, long-term deal that will keep in Green Bay for many years to come.
Gutekunst said Love’s decision to hold out of practice wasn’t unexpected given the nature of negotiations.
“We’ll get there,” Gutekunst said. “Hopefully he won’t miss too much time.”
The Packers will hold an open training camp practice during six of the next seven days. The team’s annual Family Night practice is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3. The first preseason game is Saturday, Aug. 10.