The Green Bay Packers are reportedly cutting their quarterback room from four to two just hours before the NFL's 53-man roster deadline. The move feels especially noteworthy because Jordan Love recently underwent left thumb surgery and only recently returned to practice. It can also be seen as a massive vote of confidence in his backup, Malik Willis, who's been loosely floated as a trade candidate.
If his inaugural campaign in Titletown is any indication, Willis is arguably good enough to lead at least a few teams under center. He's an intriguing asset, which is why a contingent of Packers supporters and rival fan bases alike want to see him rerouted.
Nonetheless, this idea will remain a pipe dream after Green Bay waived third- and fourth-stringers Sean Clifford and Taylor Elgersma, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
The #Packers waived QBs Sean Clifford and Taylor Elgersma, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 26, 2025
That leaves just Jordan Love -- who is expected to be ready for Week 1 -- and Malik Willis on the roster as of now.
Packers effectively end Malik Willis trade speculation by cutting QBs Sean Clifford, Taylor Elgersma
Love is "expected to be ready for Week 1" of the upcoming season, as Pelissero notes. Parting ways with Clifford and Elgersma validates that his non-throwing hand injury doesn't appear to be a lingering concern. Doing so also leaves the Packers with only Willis behind their franchise signal-caller, making moving off him nearly impossible, barring an offer they can't refuse.
RELATED: Packers' surprise cuts hint at a potential bigger move coming
Let's say someone blows the Packers away and gives up premium draft capital for Willis. Then what? Green Bay ostensibly doesn't have confidence in Clifford or Elgersma to replace him. Otherwise, one of them probably would've stuck around (theoretically, they could still end up on the practice squad).
Moreover, the free-agent options are a cesspool of retreads and castaways; does general manager Brian Gutekunst want to put his eggs in that basket?
It's hard to call someone who's appeared in 35 of 37 possible games (including playoffs) since becoming the Packers' full-time starter in 2023 injury-prone. Yet, Love has accumulated a fair share of nicks and bruises along the way.
The 26-year-old has mostly managed to play through it. But he's also been susceptible to getting hurt, suffering knee, groin, right elbow, and the aforementioned thumb issues, which makes having a capable understudy vital.
Willis offers more value to the Packers as a Love fill-in than a bargaining chip, looking comfortable operating head coach Matt LaFleur's offense. The ex-Tennessee Titans third-round pick kept the ship afloat when called up last season. He went 2-0 to the tune of a 75.8 completion percentage, 324 passing yards and two touchdowns, with an additional 12-114-1 rushing line.