Packers signed Kurt Benkert. (Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports)
The Green Bay Packers signed yet another quarterback to bolster the roster while they deal with the Aaron Rodgers situation.
It’s well-known the Packers have a messed up quarterback situation going into the 2021 season.
Aaron Rodgers is unhappy. Back-up and supposed heir apparent Jordan Love may be thrust into action before he’s ready. Blake Bortles is now a veteran insurance policy.
But Green Bay still had need for another passer to fill out the roster ahead of their rookie minicamp, so they signed a fourth: Kurt Benkert.
Benkert came out of Virginia in 2018. He went undrafted then landed on the Falcons practice squad. He appeared on their active roster for one game in 2020, but they waived him earlier this year.
The Packers have to cover their bases with Aaron Rodgers and camp bodies
The Packers gave Benkert and Chad Kelly a tryout as arms at their rookie minicamp this weekend. Benkert did enough to get signed.
Realistically, Benkert is there just in case Rodgers doesn’t turn up for OTAs and other offseason programs. Love and Bortles wouldn’t be sufficient as the only two quarterbacks on the roster just in terms of practice.
Green Bay’s favored solution to all of this would be for Rodgers to stay with the team in 2021 and beyond. While the quarterback is clearly unhappy with management, they continue to try to convince him to give it another go.
The team could try to entice Rodgers with contract offers, but it seems the quarterback is prepared to play a game of chicken in a bid to force a trade.
In the meantime, the Packers would be silly not to cover some of their bases. Signing a young quarterback like Benkert gives them cover in case the drama stretches on with practically no risk.