NFL Rumors: Chris Jones trade package, Packers QB buzz, Justin Jefferson contract
By Mark Powell
NFL Rumors: Who will back up Jordan Love for Packers?
The Green Bay Packers made a bold decision by releasing veteran backup Danny Etling, thus putting Jordan Love at risk. Love is in his first full season as a starting quarterback, so it would make a lot of sense to bring in a veteran backup just in case the Utah State product struggles mightily or is injured.
Instead, the Packers released Etling, who spent the 2022 season as the practice squad quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers. Etling does have some experience, but Green Bay isn’t losing much in his services. Instead, cutting Etling loose also stresses the confidence Matt LaFleur and Co. have in the likes of rookie QB Sean Clifford out of Penn State, as well as USFL MVP Alex McGough.
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Clifford would appear to have the edge to back up Love right now (assuming the Packers don’t sign another quarterback). The rookie out of Penn State impressed LaFleur in pre-draft workouts, and has taken that momentum to mini camp and now training camp. He looks more than capable at running an offense built around love, as Clifford’s mobility is a strength.
McGough is a 2018 NFL Draft pick who revived his career in the USFL. Thus far in camp, it appears from the untrained eye that McGough was beating out Etling for the No. 3 QB spot behind Love and Clifford. LaFleur did not want to head into the preseason games with four quarterbacks fighting for playing time, so he did Etling a favor and gave him the chance to find work elsewhere.