Love is in the air for the Green Bay Packers.

Well, Jordan Love that is.

With Aaron Rodgers leaving Green Bay for the New York Jets after a trade, the Packers will now turn to Love to be their next starting quarterback.

It’s a bit of déjà vu for the Packers, who again have traded away a longtime star quarterback to pave the way for a younger player with potential.

First, it was Brett Favre for Rodgers. Now, it’s Rodgers for Love. And both veterans went to the Jets.

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Here’s what to know about Jordan Love and how the Packers will move on with him at quarterback.

When was Jordan Love drafted?

Love was considered a bit of a raw, but talented, prospect coming out of Utah State during the 2020 draft that also saw quarterbacks Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert taken early in the first round.

Still, Love was the No. 26 pick in the draft, and the Packers even made a trade to move up in the draft to get him, sending the No. 30 pick and a fourth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins.

Now the Packers are ready to hand him the keys to the offense heading into his fourth NFL season.

“Yeah, we have a lot of confidence in him,” Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said of Love in an interview with WBAY in Green Bay on March 10.

“We drafted him and developed him. A lot of credit goes to our coaches, and to Jordan. But we do think he’s ready.”

Why did the Packers draft Jordan Love?

After the Packers lost the NFC championship game to the San Francisco 49ers in 2019, they drafted a quarterback who would be Rodgers’ backup for the next three seasons.

‘He’s obviously been through this and he’s a pro and I think it’s something that’s a long-term decision,’ Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said of Rodgers and the decision to draft Love in April 2020.

‘I think that when you go through kind of the way things went tonight, you weigh the short-term and the long-term and the way the board went, this was just the best decision for the Packers. Obviously Aaron has been around a long time, and he knows what we’re playing for right now, so that’s what’s most important right now.’ 

Rodgers and the Packers were eliminated from the playoffs in the NFC title game in 2020 and the divisional round in 2021. They did not reach the playoffs in 2022.

Jordan Love’s NFL stats

Love has appeared in 10 career games for the Packers, mostly in relief of Rodgers late in games. He has thrown for 606 yards while completing 50 of 83 pass attempts – with three touchdowns and three interceptions. 

Love has one career start, on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021. The Packers were held scoreless until Love threw a touchdown pass in the final five minutes of the game. He completed 19 of 34 passes for 190 yards with an interception in the 13-7 loss.

Love’s best outing as an NFL quarterback came in Week 12 of the 2022 season when Rodgers left a game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to hand injury in the fourth quarter.

Trailing 37-23, Love threw a 63-yard touchdown to receiver Christian Watson to narrow the game to 37-30 with nine minutes left. He later led a field goal drive to stay within seven points. But time ultimately expired. He finished 6 of 9 for 113 yards with a 146.8 quarterback rating.

More importantly, Love showed improvement and a command of coach Matt LaFleur’s offense against the Eagles, who appeared in the Super Bowl last season.

How high are the expectations for Jordan Love?

Just look at the quarterbacks before him.

Favre is a Hall of Famer who won a Super Bowl to complete the 1996 season, and he was the league MVP from 1995-97. 

Rodgers followed Favre by winning Super Bowl MVP after leading the Packers to a championship following the 2010 regular season. He also won the MVP award four times (2011, 2014, 2020 and 2021).

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred on Monday rejected claims that the Oakland A’s didn’t negotiate in good faith with the city before signing an agreement to move the franchise to Las Vegas. 

Speaking with the Associated Press Sports Editors in New York, Manfred said he feels ‘sorry for the fans in Oakland’ after the team was unable to work out a deal for a new stadium in the Bay Area.

“We have shown an unbelievable commitment to the fans in Oakland by exhausting every possible opportunity to try to get something done in Oakland,” Manfred said. “Unfortunately, the government doesn’t seem to have the will to get it done.”

The A’s last week signed a binding purchase agreement for 49 acres of land near the Las Vegas Strip, where the team plans to build a $1 billion, 35,000-seat retractable-roof stadium in time for the 2027 season.

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After the announcement, Oakland mayor Sheng Thao said she was disappointed the A’s and owner John Fisher didn’t negotiate with the city as a “true partner.”

“It is clear to me that the A’s have no intention of staying in Oakland and have simply been using this process to try to extract a better deal out of Las Vegas,” Thao said in a statement.

Manfred denied the allegation. “I feel sorry for the fans in Oakland. I really do. But for the city of Oakland to point fingers at John Fisher, it’s not fair,’ he said, adding that stadium discussions between the city and the team have been going on since 2014.

Manfred also said he believes the last-place A’s will be able to field a more competitive team in Las Vegas.

Currently, the A’s have a major league-worst 4-18 record and have been outscored by 103 runs, while averaging just over 11,000 fans for their 12 home games at the Oakland Coliseum — also the lowest figure in the majors.

Jalen Hurts knows how to turn a phrase.

‘Money is nice,’ the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback said Monday at a news conference for his five-year, $255 million extension ($179.3 million guaranteed). ‘Championships are better.’

The annual average salary makes Hurts the highest-paid player in NFL history. Earlier in his meeting with the media, Hurts had been asked why he accepted a deal with less guaranteed money than quarterbacks Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals, $189.5 million) and Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns, $230 million).

‘You look at all the great teams, it takes a village,’ Hurts said.

He continued: ‘We got something special going on.’

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Hurts reiterated multiple times his championship aspirations, two months after the Eagles lost Super Bowl 57 to the Kansas City Chiefs. Hurts scored three rushing touchdowns and completed 27-of-38 passes for 304 yards and one touchdown in the 38-35 defeat.

The former Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, with Philadelphia going 16-2 (including the postseason) with Hurts as the starter. During the regular season, Hurts compiled career highs in passing yards (3,701), touchdown passes (22) and passer rating (101.5). He was achieved second-team All-Pro honors and finished second in MVP voting. 

Philadelphia selected Hurts in the second round (53rd overall) in the 2020 draft to back up Carson Wentz. 

Hurts said he is on a constant quest to be the best player he can be. 

‘The only thing I wanted to do was be the best version of myself. That hasn’t changed,’ Hurts said. ‘That won’t change.’ 

Hurts thanked the city of Philadelphia, owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman for the opportunity and the trust.

‘It’s not a moment for me to reflect, because the journey’s not over,’ Hurts said.

Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.

Many of college football’s most accomplished players will launch their professional careers to great fanfare this week as early selections in the NFL draft.

For the likes of Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., among others, the wait to learn of their future team shouldn’t be long, as they and several other standouts from marquee programs have long been considered locks for the top of the first round. Yet the draft isn’t always so kind to other notable names, whose collegiate achievements don’t always indicate widespread NFL interest. 

Undoubtedly, there will be major figures who last well into the third day of the draft, and even some who will end up undrafted. Here are seven former college football stars who could be headed for such a fate:

Stetson Bennett IV, QB, Georgia

Regardless of his landing spot, it’s remarkable that a 5-11, 193-pound former walk-on has managed to make NFL teams mull using a draft pick on him. Bennett helped position himself for this unlikely ascension by delivering when the stakes were highest, sparking Georgia to consecutive national championships and earning offensive MVP in all four College Football Playoff games he started. 

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For all his heroics, however, there’s only so high a slightly built, 25-year-old quarterback with questionable arm strength and erratic accuracy can expect to rise in the draft. Bennett only created more problems for himself during the pre-draft process with his January arrest in Dallas for public intoxication. He might have a chance to carve out a career as a trusted NFL backup, but it’s hard to see much growth potential left in Bennett. His window for being taken might not open until the final rounds.

Max Duggan, QB, TCU

A four-year starter for the Horned Frogs, Duggan was bound for the bench in 2022 before an ankle injury to first-stringer Chandler Morris in the opener gave him the opportunity to reclaim his job. The 6-1, 207-pound signal-caller subsequently engineered the most electric season in school history, leading TCU to the national championship game and finishing as the Davey O’Brien Award winner and Heisman Trophy runner-up.

Duggan did all that with a style distinctly his own. He confidently attacked defenses, taking shots in the deep passing game and grinding out tough yards and touchdowns (28 for his career) as a runner. Translating that skill set to NFL success, however, could be exceedingly difficult, as his ball placement and comfort operating in the pocket are too spotty to position him as a trusted backup in the near future. Perhaps he’ll find his way as a developmental option, but that likely means launching his career as a late Day 3 pick or undrafted free agent.

Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State

There’s no way to properly discuss Vaughn’s play and his pro potential without addressing his 5-5, 179-pound frame. His height was the shortest recorded at the NFL scouting combine since at least 2003, and he looks set to take the unofficial title of smallest player in the league. 

Of course, Vaughn has defied doubters thus far, becoming a two-time consensus All-American last season with 1,936 all-purpose yards, the most of any player in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Still, his size could be prohibitive to some. His runs will be in jeopardy of routinely dying at first contact, and leaving him in for pass protection is an invitation for disaster. Vaughn shouldn’t expect to hear his name called until Day 3, but the more important factor for his pro success will be landing with a coaching staff that can scheme him touches in the open field.

Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue

The picture of persistence, Jones didn’t let two transfers deter him from finally becoming the focal point of an offense in his sixth year of eligibility. He led the FBS with 110 catches in 2022 while also notching 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns.

But at 5-11 and 175 pounds, Jones will be slapped with the dreaded undersized slot receiver label that has weighed down so many pass catchers’ draft stock. That role could still lead to a fruitful career, as he could become a trusted target underneath given his ultra-reliable hands. It just might mean Jones having to wait until Saturday before he is chosen – which still stands as a major victory for a player who was off the NFL radar until last fall.

Andre Carter II, DE, Army

Coming off a 2021 campaign in which he trailed only Will Anderson Jr. in sacks with 15 ½, Carter generated early buzz as a potential fringe first-rounder for 2023. Last year’s trying campaign in which he was held to just 3 ½ sacks, however, raised questions about just how highly the player set to become Army’s second NFL draftee in the common-draft era can reasonably expect to be selected.

The pre-draft process only heightened some concerns, as the 6-7, 256-pound Carter posted fewest bench press reps (11) of any edge rusher while underwhelming with his vertical leap (30 inches) and broad jump (9-1). Those results should be somewhat expected, though, as Carter’s military duties left him unable to bulk up or train with a single-minded focus. Some teams might acknowledge those limitations and envision what filling out his frame will do to elevate a proven pass rusher with the length and fluidity to fluster NFL offensive tackles. For others, his subpar strength could be a sticking point. But given that any team taking him on likely will need to exhibit patience in his development, mid-to-late Day 3 could be his range. 

Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati

The Miami (Ohio) transfer was one of college football’s best breakout stories last year, as he became the Bearcats’ first unanimous All-American in school history after a 137-tackle, 10-sack season. But just where does a 5-10, 231-pound linebacker who operates best working downhill fit in the NFL?

In college, Pace compensated for his size with outstanding knowhow, taking advantage of his stature by winning leverage battles against blockers or knifing past them when they lunged. No matter how impressive his strength is, however, it will be a tall order for him to repeatedly beat NFL offensive linemen to make plays in the backfield. And while a tweener who resembles a safety might be expected to hold his own in coverage, Pace looks ill suited to take on running backs and receivers in space. That unique set of physical tools and playing style should curb the number of teams that will consider him in the draft, as unleashing his playmaking ability will require a specific vision for his utilization. 

Tre Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU

The nephew of Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson made a name for himself at his uncle’s alma mater by starring on the other side of the ball. A first-team All-Big 12 selection in his first two years as a starter, Hodges-Tomlinson elevated his game in 2022, earning the Jim Thorpe Award as he recorded three interceptions and 18 passes defensed while denying almost every downfield throw in his direction. 

At just under 5-8 and 178 pounds with short arms, however, Hodges-Tomlinson will be an immediate matchup liability against all but the smallest NFL receivers. He’s likely bound for the slot, where he can rely on his quick-trigger movements and face few scenarios in which he can be easily boxed out. While he should still appeal to a team that understands how to use him, Hodges-Tomlinson seems destined to be picked on Day 3, behind several less accomplished but more physically imposing cornerbacks. 

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox is the latest star who might miss time with an injury.

Fox sustained a fracture to the tip of his index finger on his left (shooting) hand in the Kings’ Game 4 loss to Golden State and will be listed as questionable for Game 5 against the Warriors on Wednesday, a person familiar with the injury told USA TODAY Sports.

The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about Fox’s injury.

If he can’t play, that puts the Kings at a disadvantage in the first-round Western Conference series that is tied 2-2.

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Fox, 25, is a key reason for Sacramento’s success this season. He was named to the All-Star team for the first time in 2023, is likely to make an All-NBA team and last week, he was named the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year.

In four playoff games, Fox is averaging 31.5 points, 7.0 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 2.5 steals and shooting 44.7% from the field and 70% from the foul line. He scored 38 points in Sacramento’s Game 1 victory and had 38 points in the Kings’ Game 4 loss.

The six-year veteran had his best season as a pro in 2022-23, and it coincided with Sacramento earning the No. 3 seed with a 44-38 record. It was the most wins for Sacramento since 2004-05. This is the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2006.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, Memphis’ Ja Morant, Miami’s Tyler Herro and Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard are among the players who missed games in the opening week of the playoffs. The Heat’s Victor Oladipo will miss the rest of the playoffs with a torn patellar tendon in his left knee, which he suffered in Maimi’s Game 3 blowout win over the Bucks.

Aaron Rodgers finally got his wish.

The Green Bay Packers agreed to trade the longest-tenured player in their history – Rodgers was drafted in 2005 – to the New York Jets on Monday, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed in a news conference. Gutekunst acknowledged that there was still paperwork to be completed before the trade could be finalized.

As part of the deal, the Packers will now move up two spots in the first round of Thursday’s NFL draft, taking the Jets’ No. 13 overall pick while sending back the No. 15 selection, according to ESPN and NFL Network. The Packers will also receive a second-round pick and a sixth-round selection this year as well as a conditional 2024 second-round pick that becomes a first if Rodgers plays 65% of the offensive snaps this season, per the reports. In addition to Rodgers, the Jets will also receive a fifth-round selection this year.

And so comes an end to the strangest saga of the offseason. 

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Rodgers revealed in mid-March his intention to break from the Packers and play for the Jets. The four-time MVP was initially leaning towards retirement at the conclusion of a disappointing 2022 season that ended with Green Bay missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018. However he was re-energized once he learned after his famous ‘darkness retreat’ in February that the Packers were shopping him after previously indicating to Rodgers that he had the option to play for them in 2023. Appearing on ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’ he blamed the team for holding up a trade with the Jets, accusing the front office of ‘digging their heels in’ on compensation. Rodgers also claimed that the organization expressed a desire for him to retire in Green Bay.

Now Rodgers heads into his 19th season with a Jets squad that appeared to have all the necessary components for a playoff push last year … less a capable quarterback. In Wisconsin, the Packers forge ahead with Jordan Love, a first-round pick in 2020 whose arrival as Rodgers’ eventual successor led, at least in part, to his fractured relationship with the franchise.

Said Gutekunst shortly after the news broke: ‘Hopefully there’s some finality for everybody in it.’

The deal accelerates more than $40 million worth of dead contract money onto the Pack’s cap. Rodgers, who carries a $31.6 million cap charge for 2023 is owed a $58.3 million bonus by the start of the regular season. He’s previously admitted that number will have to be renegotiated. 

What are the Jets getting?

Fifteen years after acquiring Brett Favre from the Packers, the NYJ get another multiple-MVP winner from Green Bay. Rodgers is expected to be the missing piece to a team that finished 7-10 last season, one that ended with a six-game losing streak after an unexpectedly good start had New York in the thick of the AFC playoff race. But, despite talent throughout their roster, the Jets got almost nothing out of the quarterback position. Starter Zach Wilson, the second overall pick of the 2021 draft, was the lowest-rated passer (72.8) among those who qualified in 2022.

What are the Packers getting?

Obtaining draft ammunition from the Jets this year and next will enable Green Bay to begin reloading around Love, who will try to lead his team back to a winning record – something Rodgers couldn’t do in 2008 after replacing Favre. Wide receiver – the Packers haven’t taken one in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002 – tight end, offensive line and defensive back represent particular areas of need. And though the trade of Rodgers will cause short-term pain for the organization from a cap standpoint, the Packers should have much more flexibility to bolster their roster via free agency next year … and will also import an extra first-round pick if their now-former quarterback plays at least 65% of the snaps this season.

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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis.