Packers could trade for Falcons 'capable backup' to solve QB2 problem

The Green Bay Packers have a backup quarterback problem.

Rookie quarterback Michael Pratt is battling second-year man Sean Clifford for the QB2 role behind Jordan Love, but neither Pratt nor Clifford is performing well thus far in camp.

Reportedly, both backups have struggled with interceptions, with a five-pick practice from Clifford on July 27 standing out as particularly worrisome.

Should the Packers look beyond their current roster for a serviceable QB2? Zone Coverage's Dan Saia certainly thinks so. Saia recently suggested that Green Bay seek a trade for Taylor Heinicke of the Atlanta Falcons.

Heinicke is head and shoulders above both Pratt and Clifford, and he's currently stuck as Atlanta's third-stringer behind Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. What's more, it wouldn't take the Packers more than a late-round draft pick to deal for Heinicke, according to Saia.

"The Atlanta Falcons buried Heinicke on their depth chart a year after he started for the Washington Commanders," Saia said.

"It’s hard to see a team like the Falcons carrying three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, so they might cut Heinicke in the next few weeks and let him land with a new team. Even if they don’t, he clearly is not in their plans. Therefore, it would be worth it for (Packers general manager Brian) Gutekunst to dangle a late-round pick for the capable backup who famously almost upset Tom Brady in a playoff game."

In the modern NFL, having a solid backup quarterback is essential, which should make trading for Heinicke (or someone else ) a priority for Green Bay.

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