Having finally traded away star signal-caller Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets a month ago, the Green Bay Packers are now putting their marbles in the hands of the unproven Jordan Love.
Three years ago, the Packers stunned everybody by trading up to the No. 26 spot so they could take the Utah State quarterback. Love backed up Rodgers for three seasons, appearing in 10 games while making just the one start (in a 2021 game vs. the Kansas City Chiefs).
Sean Clifford and Danny Etling are the other quarterbacks on Green Bay’s depth chart. But of course, it wouldn’t hurt for GM Brian Gutekunst and company to add a veteran presence in case Love isn’t ready for prime time.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell offered predictions on where some of the top remaining free agents will land with the draft now over. Barnwell projected the Packers to sign veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, who was released by the Washington Commanders before free agency opening:
“The issues with Wentz aren’t going away — he’s stubborn under center, extends plays to the point of creating mistakes and has struggled to stay healthy — but there has to be a point where his general NFL success appeals to contenders that would otherwise be relying on passers such as Easton Stick or Kyle Allen if their starting quarterback went down…
An injury to Love would essentially end the Packers’ season, which is an argument for signing Wentz. The argument against the move comes down to the off-field stuff: Do you want to have your young quarterback in a room with a guy who has essentially been dumped by three NFL organizations in three seasons? Coach Matt LaFleur would have to ask himself whether the reward is worth the risk, but I could see a scenario where a one-year deal for Wentz to serve as the backup would pay off for Green Bay.”
After a disappointing 2020 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz was traded to the Indianapolis Colts. He had an up-and-down season with the AFC South club, and the Colts ultimately decided one year of Wentz was enough.
The Super Bowl 52 champion was traded to the Commanders, but the former Pro Bowler also struggled in DC. He was limited to seven games because of a broken finger injury, tossing 11 touchdowns against nine interceptions.
