Matt Flynn: What should Packers do with backup QB?
The legend of Matt Flynn will live forever in Green Bay Packers lore, and that’s saying something considering the players in Green Bay’s storied history.
Flynn dazzled Packer Nation and the NFL back in 2011 when Green Bay decided to rest Aaron Rodgers for the playoffs. The Pack played Detroit in what would ultimately be a meaningless game, but it meant everything for Flynn.
He threw for 480 yards and six touchdowns that afternoon, and led the Packers to a thrilling 45-41 win. That performance alone earned him a contract in Seattle, and he’s been bouncing around the league ever since.
Poetically enough, after stints in Seattle, Oakland and Buffalo; Flynn found himself back in Green Bay helping out the Packers when they needed him the most.
Replacing an injured Rodgers, as well as Seneca Wallace and Scott Tolzien, Flynn somehow led the Packers to a 2-2-1 record. That included an amazing come from behind victory in Dallas that saw Flynn lead the team back from down 3-26 at the half. The Packers won that game 37-36, and Flynn finished with 299 yards, four touchdowns and an interception.
Such is the legend of Flynn in Green Bay.
With Rodgers back from his injury though, what is the long-term prognosis for inconsistent yet heroic Packers’ quarterback?
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky took a shot at that question in his mailbag. Do the Packers re-sign Flynn or draft a quarterback?
"It’s entirely possible they could do both. Flynn’s days of getting a big contract have passed him by, so the Packers could bring him back for another minimum deal and still draft a quarterback in the mid-to-late rounds. They also have Scott Tolzien under contract for next season and want to develop him. It’s possible they could let Flynn walk, but there’s little risk in bringing him back."
If I was in charge of the Packers, I would certainly not let go of Flynn. He knows the system, he’s comfortable in the system; and even though he may not be the best quarterback in the world, he’s a capable backup.
Like Demovsky suggests, sign Flynn to a small deal and then go ahead and draft a quarterback who can develop behind both him and Rodgers.