GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers are wrapping up Organized Team Activities this week in Green Bay. The mandatory minicamp is next week.
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst said on Milwaukee radio station “The Game” on Tuesday that he’d like to have Jordan Love signed to a contract extension by the start of training camp in July.
Love is letting his agent handle the negotiations, but the quarterback said he is excited about what he sees building with these Packers.
“Very special,” said Love. “The bond that I think last year we started off with. We became a lot closer, just through the adversity. We went on to that run at the end there. Coming into OTAs, there’s been so much energy in the building. Since I’ve been here, I feel like this is as close as the team’s been and it’s very awesome to see.”
Love’s head coach, Matt LaFleur, also said he likes what he sees from this Packers team.
“There’s obviously been a lot of learning that’s taken place,” said LaFleur. “I’m really pleased with where we’re at right now. Not only the cohesion on the field, but also off the field. I think every time we step in the meeting rooms, there’s been great energy, great interaction with the guys. I think that’s part of the process.”
Love is often referred to as a young quarterback, but he reminds us that this is his fifth year in the NFL. Last year was his first as a starter.
“I’ve been here awhile,” said Love. “At the same time, last year was my first year as a starting quarterback, getting those in-game reps. So, I understand it 100%. This is only my second year going as the starter. I’m still learning new stuff every day. There’s so much more for me to learn and improve my game. So, I’m just taking a step by step. But I don’t listen to outside noise, things like that. Especially with a young team, I feel like a vet.”
Love did offseason work with some of his receivers in California. He said he praises the whole group for the strides they’ve made since last season.
Rising the ranks
One of those receivers is Bo Melton. He continues to stand out during Organized Team Activities.
“We have a lot of guys who do different things, speed, route runners and physical guys,” said Melton. “It could be dangerous, for sure.”
Talk about fighting the odds. Melton was a seventh round pick by Seattle in 2022. After being cut by the Seahawks, he spent time on practice squads. He was cut, and then brought back by the Packers. He worked his way up.
“It’s all about hard work,” said Melton. “Keeping God first. That’s what I did my whole life. That’s how I was raised. Being cut, being on practice squad, just kept doing the journey, kept pushing along. I just wanted to be ready when my time came, and when it came last year, I just wanted to perform.”
“He’s been outstanding,” said LaFleur. “I think it’s a great story, just being persistent and to continue to push forward even when maybe the stacks are kind of put up against you.”
“Bo is the same guy every day,” said Love. “You know what you’re going to get. Bo came in, and he definitely wasn’t a starter last year. But he worked every day. You see him on scout team, making plays and getting a touchdown, celebrating. And he’s going to treat it like a game.”
Melton’s coming out party was a New Year’s Eve performance at Minnesota, when he had six catches for 105 yards and a touchdown.
“It was definitely a great game,” said Melton. “Built my confidence for sure. It’s more so the guys around me that encouraged me.”
Melton played at Rutgers with his younger brother, Max. Arizona selected the defensive back in the second round this spring. And yes, the Packers host the Cardinals on Oct. 13 at Lambeau Field.
“When I saw week six, I’m like, it’s going to be good,” said Melton. “No more backyard. Big stage. He’s going to be ready for it. I’m definitely ready, for sure.”
If you don’t know about Melton yet, there’s a good chance you will by the end of this season.