Jordan Love Played Key Role in Getting All-Pro to Packers

The Green Bay Packers lost a few key staples of the defense this offseason along with defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who took the head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins.

The Packers lost linebacker Quay Walker to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Green Bay traded Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick.

The Packers gave new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon some help at defense with All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin. During an appearance with Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, Franklin suggested Packers quarterback Jordan Love was the top draw for Green Bay.

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“It starts with the quarterback,” Franklin said. “Jordan Love, I told him he was the main reason I came to Green Bay. I wasn’t coming to Green Bay or going to an organization without a proven franchise QB. He is that. He’s the type of quarterback you want to be around.

“Great manner in the locker room, competes his ass off, is constantly working to get better. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a QB1 just really raising the level of everybody by his work ethic like that. It’s really dope to see.”

Franklin believes the Packers are ready to compete for a Super Bowl with Micah Parsons on the roster. The star pass-rusher is expected to return from a torn ACL injury around Week 5.

“Then, at the end of the day, we’ve got one of the best defensive players on the planet in Micah Parsons, as well,” Franklin said. “When you’ve got a quarterback and you’ve got a pass rush, you’ve got a chance. … I think these guys are ready to take the next step. I’m ready to help lead them there and do my part to bring a Lombardi back to Green Bay.”

With a star at quarterback and defensive end, the Packers should be thought of as a legitimate threat to win the Super Bowl in the upcoming season. Franklin could be a key part of rejuvenating the defense in Green Bay.

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This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 12:54 PM.