The top two spots on the Packers’ quarterback depth chart are accounted for with Jordan Love and Sean Clifford. General manager Brian Gutekunst is open to using the upcoming draft to add further depth at the position, though.
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“I’d love to continue to bring in quarterbacks, not only for the competition but for the development of them because I do think it takes time,” Gutekunst said, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic (subscription required). “It takes time, any player, but a quarterback, particularly, in a comfort zone of what he’s doing where you can really see his talent come out. I think Sean hit that pretty early compared to most, but I think that’s important you give that player the time to get there.”
Love entered the 2023 season facing plenty of questions related his readiness as Aaron Rodgers‘ successor. He answered them in the latter half of the campaign in particular, helping guide the Packers to the divisional round of the playoffs. Talks on an extension allowing the former first-rounder to remain in place well beyond the coming season are underway.
With Love remaining healthy throughout the season, Clifford made just two appearances and only attempted three passes as a rookie. The latter – who won out the QB2 gig during training camp after being selected in the fifth round – has drawn praise from Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur. While Clifford (who, like Love, is 25) is thus on track to hold down the backup position moving forward, competition can be expected this offseason.
As Schneidman notes, Gutekunst has only drafted two signal-callers (Love and Clifford) during his six years running Green Bay’s draft room. The team has generally opted to sign depth passers as UDFAs, but in 2024 the Packers have 11 draft picks. That is tied for the most in the NFL this year, and it will give Gutekunst and Co. plenty of opportunities to select at least one signal-caller on Day 3 in particular.