The Green Bay Packers are set to open training camp later this month. This is the first in a series of articles previewing the Packers position by position, analyzing the talent on the roster and discussing key questions that are facing the team as they begin preparation for the 2024 season. Today we will examine the quarterback position. We will examine another position each day until the start of training camp.

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview, Quarterback: Projected Starter, Jordan Love

Jordan Love seeks to build on the outstanding finish to his first season as a starter. In the final eight regular-season games, Love threw 18 touchdowns and just one interception.

Love has great leadership qualities and the confidence of his teammates.

During last season, Love’s growth was evident. In the first half of the season, he struggled with reads and with deep throws. Both areas improved as the season progressed.

Love needs to prove that last season’s finish wasn’t just a hot streak and that he is capable of playing at that level on a consistent basis.

He has a young and talented group of receivers and tight ends to throw to. This group developed together last year, and they helped each other improve.

The Packers are in negotiations with Love on a long-term extension that they hope to sign before the start of training camp. The deal is expected to make the former Utah State star one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the league.

The recent signing of Trevor Lawrence and the NFL’s loss in court in NFL Sunday Ticket lawsuit may delay the signing, but both player and organization are eager to get a deal done. Love has done a good job of not letting it become a distraction.

This will be a vital season for Love and his development. A strong campaign will cement him as an elite NFL quarterback.

Projected Backup: Sean Clifford

The Packers drafted Sean Clifford in the fifth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The former Penn State star made a good impression in training camp and during the preseason.

Clifford exhibits confidence and leadership qualities. He thinks the game well and makes good decisions. He is not afraid to make daring throws.

During the regular season, Clifford appeared in only two games and threw one pass. It went for a 37-yard completion to Bo Melton.

The biggest thing keeping Clifford from being a starting caliber quarterback is his lack of elite arm strength.

He will have a battle for the backup quarterback spot in training camp. Should anything happen to Love, the Packers chances of a successful season would drop significantly.

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview, Quarterback: Projected Backup, Michael Pratt

GM Brian Gutekunst selected Michael Pratt in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Pratt helped turn Tulane’s program around in college. The Packers were pleasantly surprised he was still available in the seventh round.

Pratt’s leadership qualities are highly regarded. He is an intelligent player who reads defenses well and has grown each year during his college career.

Pratt will battle Clifford for the backup quarterback spot. The Packers will likely try to keep the loser on the practice squad.

Three Key Questions for the Packers Quarterbacks

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview, Quarterback: Question One, Can Love Take the Next Step

Love looked like an elite quarterback in the second half of the season and in the playoff win over Dallas. He must continue that development for the Packers to have a chance at competing for a Super Bowl.

Love has a chance to establish himself as an elite quarterback. If he does, the Packers will have three straight with Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and Love. That is a rarity in NFL history.

Question 2: Who Wins the Backup Job?

The battle between Pratt and Clifford will be an interesting one. It will play out over the preseason as Love is not expected to play much in those three games.

The Packers will try to keep all three but both Clifford and Pratt are at a similar stage in their careers and only one can stay on as the backup for the long run.

Will the team look to trade the player who doesn’t earn a roster spot? That could be an option in the two-week gap between the end of the preseason and Week 1.

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview, Quarterback: Question Three, When Will Love Sign His Extension?

The contract extension for Love is an important one. The Packers want to lock up their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future to be secure at the game’s most important position.

The longer the Packers wait, the more the price is likely to go up over the long haul. Love took a discount last year and bet on himself and he won. Now, he is likely going to want to get paid.

 

 

 

Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers

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