If you’ve been living under a rock—or maybe just haven't watched a game at Lambeau since the 12-jersey era—you might be wondering who's actually running the show under center. It’s Jordan Love. He isn’t just "the guy" right now; he’s basically become the franchise's heartbeat.
Honestly, the transition from Aaron Rodgers to Love was supposed to be a disaster. That's what most of the experts on TV said, anyway. But here we are in early 2026, and Jordan Love has solidified himself as a top-tier NFL starter. He's no longer just the "heir apparent" or a project. He is the Green Bay Packers' franchise quarterback.
The Jordan Love era is in full swing
It’s crazy to think about, but Love is already entering his sixth year in the league. He spent those first three years behind Rodgers, just soaking everything up like a sponge. That patience paid off big time. By the time he actually took the reins in 2023, he was ready to explode.
Last season, he was throwing darts. Seriously. He finished with 3,381 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2025, even with some missed time. He’s got this weirdly calm demeanor on the field that reminds people of the greats. You’ve probably seen him roll out of a collapsing pocket and flick a 40-yard pass like he’s playing catch in the backyard.
But it hasn't all been smooth sailing lately.
The end of the 2025 regular season was a bit of a rollercoaster. Love took a nasty hit against the Chicago Bears in Week 16 and ended up in the concussion protocol. It was a scary moment for fans. He missed the Baltimore game and sat out the regular-season finale against the Vikings too.
Who's behind him on the depth chart?
When Love went down, things got interesting. You can't talk about who's the quarterback for the packers without mentioning the guys holding the clipboard.
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Malik Willis has been the primary backup. He actually played pretty well when he had to step in. He's got that dual-threat ability that makes him a nightmare to gameplan for on short notice. However, even Willis has been banged up lately with a hamstring issue.
Then there’s Desmond Ridder. The Packers actually snagged him recently to add some veteran depth for the 2026 playoff run.
And don't forget Clayton Tune. He was the guy who got the start in the final week of the 2025 season while Love was recovering. It wasn't the prettiest performance—only 34 passing yards against Minnesota—but he did what he was asked to do. The team eventually released him right before the playoffs to shuffle the roster, showing just how much they trust Love’s health moving forward.
Why Jordan Love is worth $220 million
If you want to know how the Packers feel about Love, just look at the bank account. In July 2024, they signed him to a massive four-year, $220 million extension.
That deal put him right at the top of the league’s highest-paid players. He’s making $55 million a year on average. That is Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence money. It was a huge gamble at the time because he had only started one full season.
Was it worth it?
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Most fans in Green Bay would say yes. He led them to a playoff win over Dallas in his first year as a starter and has kept them in the hunt ever since. He’s become a leader in the locker room, too. He was even nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2025. That says a lot about his character off the field.
Breaking down the 2025 stats
Love’s 2025 campaign was statistically solid, even if the team had some late-season stumbles.
- Passing Yards: 3,381
- Touchdowns: 23
- Interceptions: Only 6 (this is the big one!)
- Passer Rating: 101.18
He’s become incredibly efficient. He’s not just chucking the ball deep and hoping for the best. He’s reading defenses, checking down when he needs to, and taking care of the football. Having only six interceptions in 15 starts is borderline elite.
Facing the Bears in the 2026 playoffs
The biggest question right now isn't who the quarterback is, but rather how he'll play. The Packers are currently gearing up for a Wild Card showdown against their rivals, the Chicago Bears.
Love just cleared the concussion protocol. He says he isn't worried about "rust" at all. He’s been practicing against the starting defense to simulate game speed.
It’s a massive game. The Bears and Packers split their regular-season series, and now everything is on the line at Soldier Field. Love has a chance to cement his legacy even further if he can pull off another postseason win.
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The future of the position in Green Bay
The Packers have a "type" when it comes to quarterbacks. They like guys who can sit, learn, and then take over for a decade or two. It worked for Favre. It worked for Rodgers. Now, it looks like it’s working for Love.
There was some chatter about whether they should have drafted another QB high in the 2025 draft, but those rumors died down pretty quickly once Love started stacking wins.
The team is built around him. They have young, fast receivers like Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. They have a solid run game with Josh Jacobs. The infrastructure is there for Love to succeed for a long time.
Actionable steps for Packers fans
If you're following the team this postseason, here's what you should keep an eye on:
- Watch the injury reports: Even though Love is cleared, keep an eye on Malik Willis's hamstring. If Love takes a big hit, the backup situation is still a bit fluid.
- Focus on the Red Zone: The Packers' offense struggled inside the 20-yard line late in the season. How Love handles those tight windows will decide the game against Chicago.
- Check the roster moves: The Packers have been active on the practice squad. Any late additions at QB could signal they're worried about depth.
- Monitor the contract triggers: Love’s deal has some big injury guarantees that kick in every March. His health isn't just a sports story; it's a massive financial one for the organization.
The bottom line is simple: Jordan Love is the man in Green Bay. He’s survived the pressure of following a legend and has carved out his own path. Whether he can lead them back to a Super Bowl remains to be seen, but for now, the quarterback position in Green Bay is as stable as it’s ever been.