Packers rookie could get more playing time in contract dispute with Jordan Love

Former Tulane Green Waves quarterback Michael Pratt has the opportunity to play for the Packers’ first team as a rookie, while Jordan Love is hoping for a new contract, Ian Rapoport reports.

Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst spoke to reporters about the situation on July 22. After the first season in which he was able to gain playing time as Aaron Rodgers’ successor, Love is starting a new contract year.

He threw for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and led the Packers to a spot in the divisional round of the playoffs.

This situation is not one of panic, unlike some contract holdouts. Gutekunst expressed optimism that the deal would be finalized in the next few days. Until then, his agents told the GM, he will not practice, but he will report to training camp on time and participate in other team activities.

This provides former Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt with the opportunity to make significant first-team appearances as he shares the workload with fellow second-year guard Sean Clifford.

Despite being selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, surprisingly the role of quarterback is defined almost exclusively by the team and coach-player fit.

It was believed that Pratt would be better off testing the undrafted free agents and having the opportunity to have a pick late in the draft. The majority of picks No. 245 overall have no specific intentions.

Green Bay is the notable exception. They have a long history of developing late-round draft picks who then go on to become either starters for other teams or key backups.

Gutekunst told reporters at the Scouting Combine that he intends to return to the draft philosophy that produced Matt Flynn and Matt Hasselback as prime examples.

For the Packers, Pratt’s potential and intangibles were an absolute bargain in the final round of the draft.

The Senior Bowl general manager told Packers Central that he was not only shocked by Pratt’s departure – he saw a chance for him to get into the third round – but that he also saw starting potential in the rookie.

Pratt was a three-star prospect from Deerfield Beach, Florida, who received offers from most Ivy League programs, including Yale, Brown, Harvard and Dartmouth, as well as an offer from his hometown, FAU, and an uptown school, Tulane, which he ultimately chose.

He was homeschooled until 9th ​​grade and never played football until high school. Pratt won the starting job, but his competitive spirit demanded more. He transferred in his senior year to beat out an incumbent at a better school and improve his chances in college football.

As a true freshman, Pratt came off the bench midway through a game in Week 3 of the 2020 season. He became the starter and never looked back.

While Jordan Love’s contract situation remains unclear – although it is not expected to last long – Pratt now has the opportunity to compete for the backup position and overtake Clifford.

Pratt’s career has been defined by making the most of every opportunity, and the experience he will gain from playing for the Packers’ first team at training camp is unparalleled.