Green Bay Packers Release Quarterback as Backup Battle Grows More Intense

It seems like so long ago that the Green Bay Packers and star quarterback Jordan Love were in the midst of high-profile contract negotiations. Earlier this offseason, both Love and the Packers had expressed their desire for the deal to be completed by the time training camp started. As everyone knows, though, that did not happen.

Love reported to camp on time despite not having a new contract but refused to participate in any practices until he and the Packers came to an agreement on a new contract. This left second-year quarterback Sean Clifford and rookie Michael Pratt as the only two quarterbacks in camp.

In order to have their preferred number (three) of quarterbacks participating in practice, the Packers signed Jacob Eason. A former fourth round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2020 NFL Draft, Eason had spent time on the practice squads of the Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Giants. He also spent some time in the Seattle Seahawks’ training camp back in 2022.

Jordan Love Signing His Contract with the Green Bay Packers Gave Them Four Quarterbacks

As fans all know, Love and the Packers agreed to a four-year contract worth $220 million. Not only was it the richest contract in franchise history, but it also made Love the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL.

His $55 million annual average salary is tied for the highest in the NFL with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Jacksonville Jaguars star Trevor Lawrence.

However, Love’s $75 million signing bonus is the highest in NFL history.

Once he signed, Love reported to training camp practices. With Eason aboard, this gave Green Bay four quarterbacks to use, one more than they usually like to carry during training camp.

Unfortunately for Eason, they are down to three again.

The Green Bay Packers Release Quarterback Jacob Eason

According to Ryan Wood, who covers the Packers for USA Today, Eason was released by Green Bay on Monday afternoon:

#Packers announce they released QB Jacob Eason. They had signed Eason to give them a third quarterback while Jordan Love held out of practice, but once Love returned the QB depth chart was bloated. They’re now back down to their ideal three QBs.

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 5, 2024

Of course, this leaves Love, Clifford, and Pratt as the Packers’ three quarterbacks. Love will be the unquestioned starter, but the other two young quarterbacks are locked in a tight battle to be his backup.

Clifford was Love’s backup last season after Green Bay drafted him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Penn State product has struggled so far this offseason, having thrown numerous interceptions during 11-on-11 drills.

While the Packers have their own ways of making decisions, the feeling amongst fans and some analysts is that it will be Pratt who emerges as Love’s backup quarterback.

Preseason games are going to go a long way in determining who ends up winning that battle.

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