As the Green Bay Packers returned for more OTA work on Tuesday, there was some talk of the team’s quarterbacks. The youngsters, coach Mike McCarthy said, were struggling.
We assume that to mean second-year player Joe Callahan and undrafted rookie Taysom Hill. That’s really nothing out of the ordinary at this time of year. The Packers are implementing their offense and young quarterbacks will struggle until they are familiar with the playbook.
Certainly, we wouldn’t say Callahan or Hill is a lock to make the Packers’ roster this season. The Packers liked Callahan enough last season to keep him around on their final 53. They later released him and after a roundabout journey, he returned to the team late in the season.
For that reason Callahan has an edge over Hill.
And here’s the thing. The Packers almost have to keep a third quarterback.
Second-string quarterback Brett Hundley will be entering the final year of his contract next season. The Packers almost traded him during this year’s draft and that’s a pretty clear sign that they will trade him no later than next year’s draft.
They’ll need to if they want any sort of compensation for Hundley other than a compensatory draft pick. He will be looking for an opportunity to compete for a starting job and that means he won’t be signing another contract with the Packers.
What this all boils down to is the Packers will need a new backup for Aaron Rodgers soon.
If they think Hill or, more likely, Callahan, can be that guy, then the Packers will be using a roster spot on a third quarterback again this year.
