Packers GM: Love 'absolutely' ready to start if Rodgers doesn't return

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Tuesday he believes Jordan Love is "absolutely" ready to be a starting quarterback, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky.

"I think he's ready to play," Gutekunst told reporters at the NFL combine, per The Athletic's Matt Schneidman.

Gutekunst's comments come amid Rodgers' uncertain future with the Packers. The GM added that the veteran hasn't told the team his plans and that he hasn't spoken extensively with Rodgers since the end of the campaign.

"He's a great player, but until we have those conversations, I think all options are on the table," Gutekunst said, per Demovsky.

He added: "We want what's best for the Green Bay Packers, what's best for him, so we'll get to that coming up."

Gutekunst is still aiming for a resolution with Rodgers prior to the start of free agency in March. The 39-year-old signal-caller recently emerged from a "darkness retreat," which was set to precede a decision on the next chapter of his career.

It was previously reported that the Packers would be open to trading the four-time league MVP if he desired a fresh start, with the New York Jets apparently inquiring about his availability. However, Green Bay has yet to receive an official trade offer for Rodgers.

"I have conversations with teams all the time," Gutekunst said, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I've talked to a lot of different teams about a lot of different things, but actual(ly) talking about trades - not yet."

Rodgers is set to earn roughly $59.5 million if he plays in 2023, per Spotrac. Meanwhile, Love is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal, though the Packers can exercise his fifth-year option.

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