ESPN predicts Packers will sign surprising Jordan Love backup option

The Green Bay Packers drafted a quarterback, but that doesn't mean they are done searching for Jordan Love's backup.

Green Bay's quarterback room is inexperienced. Outside of Love, the Packers have two quarterbacks yet to play an NFL snap: Danny Etling and fifth-round rookie Sean Clifford.

Having a veteran in the room could help in many ways. First, Love would have an experienced quarterback working alongside him, helping him in his first season as a starter. It would also give the Packers a reliable option off the bench should Love miss any time due to injury.

Clifford will have a chance to show what he can do over the summer, but is he ready to be a backup quarterback in the NFL? Not even Love was the No. 2 in his rookie season. Clifford's best situation might be to spend a year on the practice squad.

That would require the Packers to bring in another quarterback to back up Love. And that could be a surprising name.

Packers Rumors: ESPN predicts surprising backup QB signing

If the Packers want to add an experienced quarterback, they could turn to a former starter.

ESPN's Bill Barnwell predicts the Packers will sign Carson Wentz, the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He believes a one-year deal could make sense.

"As we saw with Trey Lance a year ago, it takes only one hit for a succession plan to go awry in September. And while the 49ers were able to turn to Jimmy Garoppolo and then Brock Purdy with plenty of success, most quarterbacks drafted on Day 3 with zero career pass attempts won't play as well as Purdy did in December."

- ESPN's Bill Barnwell

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Wentz is "open to any role", including being a backup.

It would make sense for the Packers. Love would get to work alongside a quarterback who has been a starter for seven seasons. If Love missed any time, Wentz is talented and experienced enough to step in and play well.

Wentz has started 92 games in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, and Washington Commanders. In 2017, he helped the Eagles go 11-2 before suffering a season-ending injury. Philadelphia would go on to win the Super Bowl that year, with Wentz making the Pro Bowl and being named a second-team All-Pro.

However, the past couple of seasons have been challenging for Wentz.

He spent one year in Indianapolis, throwing for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The Colts went 9-8. They moved on in the offseason, with Wentz going to Washington.

It was a season to forget with the Commanders. Wentz threw for 1,755 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Washington went 2-5 in the games Wentz played.

A fresh start might be what he needs. As a backup, the pressure would be off. He would have an opportunity to help the Packers in a new role, regain some confidence, and make an impact. If the Packers needed him to step in if Love missed time, they'd be getting a highly experienced quarterback.

If Wentz is willing to take on a backup role, the Packers should make him an offer.

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