This week, the Green Bay Packers, like other NFL teams, will begin their voluntary OTA’s. Despite the voluntary nature of these programs, it is expected that most of the team will be there. To be sure, the newly drafted rookies and undrafted free agents, as well as those who are not guaranteed a roster spot, will be in attendance.
It remains to be seen, though, whether Pro Bowlers Jaire Alexander and Elgton Jenkins will be in attendance. Alexander, of course, is in the midst of a standoff with Green Bay’s front office, one that may or may not end in his departure from the Packers. “We’re working through it,” has been the company line recited by both Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur since the offseason began.
Jenkins, on the other hand, is fully expected to be on the roster in 2025. However, he is currently in negotiations with the front office on a possible contract tweak since he is switching from left guard to center this year.
But while these two stars may dominate headlines going into and during OTA’s, one story that should not be overlooked is the battle for the third quarterback job.
The Green Bay Packers Have a Quarterback Battle Going on This Offseason
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur talks to quarterback Sean Clifford (6) after the offense is stopped by the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL preseason game on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur talks to quarterback Sean Clifford (6) after the offense is stopped by the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL preseason game on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
There is no question who the starting and backup quarterback will be in Green Bay in 2025. Jordan Love, of course, is going to be the starter while playing on the massive $220 million contract extension he signed last year. Of course, his play on the field certainly warrants this status as well, as he has led the Packers to playoff appearances in each of his first two seasons as the starting quarterback.
After watching Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt both play poorly in training camp and preseason games last year, Green Bay sent a seventh round pick to the Tennessee Titans for Malik Willis. Pratt was released and subsequently signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while Clifford was released and then re-signed to the practice squad.
Willis performed well in relief of Love, who suffered a sprained MCL at the end of the Packers’ Week One loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. With one year remaining on his rookie contract, Willis is a lock for the backup job again.
Clifford, however, does not have his role as Green Bay’s practice squad quarterback locked up. Earlier this spring, the Packers signed Taylor Elgersma, who won Canada’s version of the Heisman Trophy in 2024 as an undrafted free agent. As an aside, Elgersma recently won the home run derby at Jordan Love’s charity softball game.
As OTA’s are set to kick off, Green Bay’s coaches, especially new quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion, will be keeping close eyes on Clifford and Elgersma. If the former fifth-round pick does not improve upon his woeful performances last year, it is highly probable that the Packers would choose to move on from him in favor of Elgersma.
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