Packers should consider a change at backup quarterback
The Green Bay Packers should consider making a change at backup quarterback.
After signing four players in free agency, the Green Bay Packers made it clear that they are focused on the present, and less on the future. General manager Brian Gutekunst is focused on winning now, and that’s why he should consider making a change at the backup quarterback position.
One of Gutekunst’s first moves as GM was to trade for DeShone Kizer. While Kizer didn’t see the field often in 2018, when he did the results weren’t great.
He made his first appearance in the season opener against the Chicago Bears after Aaron Rodgers went down with a knee injury.
After making a good start with completions to Randall Cobb and Davante Adams, Kizer was sacked and fumbled on third-and-goal, a costly turnover. He then threw a pick-six to Khalil Mack to turn a 10-0 Bears lead into a 17-0 lead. Had the two turnovers been avoided, the scoreline could’ve been 10-3.
Kizer also played in the Week 17 meeting with the Detroit Lions. Aaron Rodgers left the game early with a concussion. Kizer played most of the game, but completed just 45.7 percent of his 35 pass attempts, finishing with zero touchdowns and one interception. The Packers were shutout at home, 31-0.
In fairness to Kizer, he didn’t start either game. That’s never easy. But the Packers need a quarterback who can potentially fill in for a few games if Rodgers was to go down with injury.
Kizer may develop into a good quarterback in the future, but I’m not convinced he can lead the Packers to a couple of victories if Rodgers had to miss a few weeks. In two seasons in the NFL, Kizer has thrown 11 touchdowns with 24 interceptions.
There’s a reason why the Rams recently signed Blake Bortles, the Chargers signed Tyrod Taylor and the Saints brought back Teddy Bridgewater. All three teams are contenders and have gone for experienced backup options. All three quarterbacks can fill in short-term and help their teams win games.
That said, many of the top free agent QBs are now off the market. If the Packers want an experienced backup, Josh McCown would be an option if he decides to play in 2019.
Next. Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history. dark
Right now there aren’t a lot of options in free agency, but things could quickly change depending on which teams use early-round picks at the quarterback position.