While the rest of the NFL world waited and waited for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders to be taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers remained secure in their depth at the position. As opposed to most teams, the Packers tend to draft quarterbacks early when they do not have an immediate need at the position. Such was the case in 2020 when they traded up in the first round to select Jordan Love despite the fact that they still had Aaron Rodgers.
Now, of course, Love is the starting quarterback in Green Bay. Last offseason, he signed a massive contract extension with the Packers, one that pays him $55 million a year. However, last year also showed the team how vital it is for them to have quality depth at the position.
The Green Bay Packers Relied on Malik Willis After Jordan Love Got Hurt
When Green Bay decided that Love would be their starting quarterback, they selected Penn State’s Sean Clifford in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He served as Love’s backup as a rookie, but rarely saw the field.
In 2024, the Packers took Tulane’s Michael Pratt in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. General manager Brian Gutekunst stated, at the time, that he wanted Green Bay to return to its days as a quarterback factory. During the days of Brett Favre, especially, the Packers were known to draft his backups, develop them, and then trade them for more draft capital. Some of these quarterbacks went on to enjoy significant success elsewhere in the league (Matt Hasselbeck, perhaps, being the best example).
Unfortunately, neither Clifford nor Pratt played well during training camp practices or preseason games last year. As a result, Pratt was released when the roster was trimmed to 53. The following day, Green Bay sent a seventh round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Malik Willis. Clifford was then cut, but then re-signed to the practice squad.
The decision to obtain Willis before the regular season began might have saved the Packers’ postseason hopes. When Love when down at the end of Week One with a sprained MCL, Willis stepped in as the starter in Weeks Two and Three, leading Green Bay to victory in both contests. He also led the Packers to win in Week Eight when Love had to exit early with a groin injury.
The Green Bay Packers Have Invited Taylor Elgersma to Rookie Mini-Camp
All this to say that, while the Packers are thrilled with Love and view him as their franchise quarterback, they are not done looking for quality depth. Willis is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will be a free agent following the 2025 season. Based on how well he played last year, he should generate some interest on the open market once he gets there.
Additionally, the Packers are in need of more camp arms given the plethora of wide receivers currently on their roster. Typically, Green Bay has used four or more quarterbacks during offseason activities to ensure all of their pass catchers get the reps that they need.
And on that note, the Packers have invited an intriguing quarterback, Taylor Elgersma, to rookie mini-camp. Per Justin Dunk of 3 Down Nation, “The strong-armed signal caller went on a top 30 visit to Lambeau Field on Wednesday, April 16 while the Bills sent four staff members to his pro day in March.
“Over four seasons with the Golden Hawks, Elgersma completed 72 percent of his passes for 10,230 yards, 76 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions in 39 games.”
Elgersma, who has also received a mini-camp invite from the Buffalo Bills, played last year for the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks. A London, Ontario native, the Canadian quarterback could also be signed by a different team as an undrafted free agent.
For now, though, it looks like he will be spending at least part of his spring with the Packers.
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