Packers plan on signing MVP quarterback before training camp
The Green Bay Packers have their quarterback of the present -and possibly future- in Jordan Love, but there are nothing but big questions behind him. Danny Etling, last year's No. 3 QB, has yet to take an NFL snap and has been in the league for only a couple of years. Sean Clifford, the current […]
The Green Bay Packers have their quarterback of the present -and possibly future- in Jordan Love, but there are nothing but big questions behind him.
Danny Etling, last year's No. 3 QB, has yet to take an NFL snap and has been in the league for only a couple of years. Sean Clifford, the current No. 3 QB, is a fifth-round rookie that is coming off a very decorated collegiate career, but he's also very, very raw.
These circumstances have led many to believe the Packers will eventually add another quarterback to the group, but said QB would be an experienced veteran who has played in the NFL for a while, now. With names like Carson Wentz, Joe Flacco, Teddy Bridgewater still on the board, the idea made sense.
Sure enough, the Packers are going to add another quarterback, but, none of the above names are attached with the soon-to-be addition. Instead, the team is opting to sign two-time champion and former USFL MVP, Alex McGough after what was deemed a successful workout with the team.
Not many people expected the Packers to add this type of quarterback
And that's because McGough hasn't taken a single NFL snap, himself, despite being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Now, the Packers have a logjam of inexperienced backups battling for jobs behind Love and based off how training camp practices are structured – that's not an ideal spot to be in.
Reps are hard enough to come by for depth players, but especially for whomever the QB4 is on a training camp roster. Those guys are lucky to get any reps on any given day. Therefore, whomever carries that title throughout camp is likely just a camp body that can step in if someone gets hurt.
Love isn't your typical veteran who takes days off, so it's highly unlikely he'll sit and give the guys behind him an opportunity at any point during camp. Sure, the Packers can always split the reps among McGough, Etling, and Clifford. But even then, that's not a great strategy. It would be different if the Packers signed one of the aforementioned veterans because ultimately, there is a ton of game film on those guys and Matt LaFleur and co. can get a good idea of how they fit without evaluating them in practice.
With this trio, it's largely unknown how they'll fare, so, they need as many reps as possible, themselves. The Packers also need them to have the reps so they can make thorough evaluations.
The one bright side to the situation is McGough will certainly ramp up the competition behind Love. Three unproven players fighting for two -or possibly even one- bones will force each guy to bring their best on a daily basis. That's a good foundation to have, but ultimately, the Packers' backup quarterbacks will have zero real playing experience heading into the 2023 season and that in itself is something no NFL team wants.
McGough was named the MVP of the 2023 USFL season after he threw for 2,104 yards and a league-leading 20 touchdowns. He also ran four 403 yards and five touchdowns and was the catalyst behind the Birmingham Stallions' championship season.
Packers Training Camp Battle: Defensive Line
The Packers have a lot of youth on the defensive line, so it’ll be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
Featured image via Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
