Packers HC Calls $220 Million QB ‘Elite’ Despite Surgery and Poor Preseason Showing

Matt LaFleur had no issue calling his $220 million quarterback “elite” in a recent interview. The Green Bay Packers starter only played two drives in their preseason opener but completed just one of five passes.

While a few drops held him back, it’s thumb surgery that has Packers fans the most worried. Brian Gutekunst believes their starter should return to practice as soon as next week as he’s expected to play against Detroit on September 7.

Matt LaFleur Believes the Sky is the Limit for Jordan Love

The Packers gave Jordan Love north of $200 million after seeing him start just one season. He may have progressed last year, but injuries held him back from playing to his full potential. LaFleur is one of many who’s stood by Love’s side from the start, dating back to his No. 26 overall selection in 2020.

Love had to sit on the sideline while Aaron Rodgers’ time in Green Bay came to an end. Their relationship was much different than the one Rodgers had to endure with Brett Favre. Regardless, Love is the next QB on a franchise that has storied history at the position.

“I’d hate to put a ceiling on him because I think he can be one of the elites in this league,” LaFleur told The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.

In his first season as a starter, Love threw for 4,159 yards. He ranked No. 6 in the league as only 10 QB’s threw for 4,000+ yards. The 26-year-old threw for only 24 fewer yards than Patrick Mahomes, the same QB he made his NFL debut against in 2021.

Green Bay’s choice to select Matthew Golden in the draft was a clear sign to get Love some help. That’s not to say the Packers receiving core is lacking, but it’s a group that has no clear WR1. Even though Jayden Reed has led the team in the last two seasons, he was spotted in a walking boot.

LaFleur and Love Look Ahead to the 2025 Season

After garnering a ton of attention in his first season as a starter, the doubters began to come out last year. Love has openly stated that he wasn’t healthy for much of the season which contributed to his performance. Regardless, he knows expectations are high.

Love threw as many interceptions last year as he did in 2023. Having played in two fewer games, a notable three INT game against the Minnesota Vikings stood out. Love’s season started with 11 interceptions in his first eight games.

“At the end of the day, the No. 1 job of the quarterback is to protect the ball. But at the same time, you’ve got to find that balance of taking those risks and maybe fitting them in tight windows, because that’s the league. Not everybody is going to be wide open,” Love said.

LaFleur added, “He obviously has a lot of talent and a lot of the characteristics in terms of the mental makeup of what I think is so critical to guys being successful in this league. He never allows one moment to affect the next. He has an uncanny ability to stay so even-keeled.”

Even though he underwent surgery, Love is poised to start Week 1. After missing two games last year, the Packers $220 million man will do whatever it takes to get back to his phenomenal 2023 campaign.