Packers give up on two draft picks to complete major quarterback shakeup

The Green Bay Packers spent all summer evaluating Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt for the backup quarterback job. The winner? None of them.

A day before roster cuts, they surprisingly traded for former third-round pick Malik Willis, presumably pushing Clifford and Pratt off the 53. Now, we have our answer.

According to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, the Packers are releasing both Clifford and Pratt, ending any discussion about keeping three quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster. The Packers have made a decision that Willis will back up Jordan Love.

It's a risk. Willis struggled in the limited regular-season snaps he played for the Tennessee Titans, and he must now learn a new system just a week before the regular season begins. However, there's still a path for Pratt or Clifford to return.

There's a path for Michael Pratt or Sean Clifford to return to Packers

Assuming Pratt and Clifford clear waivers, the Packers will have the choice to re-sign them to the practice squad. It's unlikely they will bring back both, but there's a good chance one of these two passers will return to Green Bay.

Pratt is a rookie and outperformed Clifford for most of the summer, so he may be the preferred choice. However, the seventh-rounder is more likely to draw interest around the league than Clifford.

In reality, neither quarterback played well enough this summer.

Pratt showed flashes but finished the preseason with 178 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Clifford threw a bunch of picks at camp and ended his preseason with 207 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Willis had an impressive preseason in Tennessee, completing 74.1 of his passes for 205 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The Packers are banking on his potential.

The Packers could bring back Pratt or Clifford, but they may prefer to search the waiver wire for options. Time will tell.

More Packers news and analysis