Report: Scott Tolzien Re-Signs with Packers Before Start of Free Agency

The Packers backup quarterback reportedly got a one-year deal worth $1.35 million.

The Green Bay Packers maintained some depth at the quarterback position as they agreed to a deal with backup Scott Tolzien, first reported by Bill Huber of Packer Report:

With both Tolzien and fellow quarterback Matt Flynn headed to free agency, the Packers needed a Plan B in case anything were to happen to starter Aaron Rodgers.

No long-term committment was made to Tolzien, so he'll enter the season with a lot to prove, knowing he'll have another shot at free agency next season.

After sitting behind Flynn for each of the past two seasons, Tolzien looks to have the upper hand on the No. 2 quarterback job heading into 2015, but by no means is the job guaranteed.

The Packers figure to bring in competition, although it's difficult to say whether they'll invest a draft choice into another quarterback or bring in a lowly-rated undrafted prospect. This year's draft class of quarterbacks looks to be quite shallow after Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota.

Likewise, the Packers haven't ruled out bringing back Flynn for another seasons, but the fact that Tolzien was signed first would indicate he's the higher priority among the two.

Tolzien spent the first 15 games on the season on the game day inactive list, although the Packers promoted him to the 53-man roster for the season finale and the remainder of the playoffs after Rodgers suffered a late-season calf injury.

When Tolzien was forced into action in 2013 after injuries to Rodgers and Seneca Wallace, he looked rough around the edges with a one-to-five touchdown-to-interception ratio despite a 61.1 completion percentage and an average of 8.0 yards per attempt.

Tolzien appeared to make strides during preseason action in 2014, completing 67.9 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and no interceptions, good for a 112.0 passer rating. The question is now whether he can take the next step and be a reliable reserve as Rodgers' understudy.

At the very least, Tolzien finds himself in one of the best situations in the NFL. The Packers are still probably at least a year away from looking for Rodgers' long-term replacement, if not longer.

And if Tolzien looks good in 2015, he could establish himself as a long-term backup, the Doug Pederson to Rodgers' Brett Favre. Or he could entice interest on the free-agent market again next season.

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Comments (10)

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HankScorpio's picture

March 08, 2015 at 01:47 pm

The fact that they signed Tolzien not Flynn would seem to indicate they think Tolzien has passed Flynn.

I still would not mind seeing Flynn brought back for similar money after the draft, depending on whether they add a QB during the draft.

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jmac34's picture

March 08, 2015 at 02:03 pm

Sounds like they are just rolling with Tolzien and probably a late round draft pick. No Flynn

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HankScorpio's picture

March 08, 2015 at 02:30 pm

You are probably right about them moving on from Flynn, Jmac. But I'm not sure I agree with the way they handle backup QB. It raised a whole bunch of eyebrows when they first decided to keep 2 QBs on the active roster. I think keeping 3 is the better way to go.

Their worst mismanagement was 2013. They cut everyone on the TC roster but Rodgers. After final cuts, they signed Seneca Wallace to be the backup and Tolzien was added to the PS as #3 QB. After Rodgers got hurt, Wallace got hurt too. Tolzien was overwhelmed. Flynn was signed in the midst of the mess and stabilized things.

I would not mind seeing Rodgers-Tolzien-Flynn on the depth chart for 2015. A solid developmental player instead of Flynn would be fine, too. But I have my doubts whether we'll see one drafted.

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Denver's picture

March 08, 2015 at 02:09 pm

I'm cool with Tolzien over Flynn. Even better if he never has to take any meaningful snaps.
Will be interesting to see who else might be in camp...sure looks to be a pretty barren QB landscape out there.

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HankScorpio's picture

March 08, 2015 at 02:34 pm

They usually like to have 4 QBs in camp. They have 2 under contract. So it would seem likely that the draft, UDFA signings and FA would see another 2 guys added.

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 08, 2015 at 10:32 pm

I was really impressed with what Tolzien did when forced into action last year. Now he should have the playbook mastered. I would feel comfortable with him as the main backup.

I assume they will be drafting a QB this year. Probably 5th round or later.

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Samson's picture

March 09, 2015 at 04:17 pm

I agree. --- Hopefully Tolzien won't have to see the field much but I honestly think GB can win with him for awhile. He's gutsy and a fighter.

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Tom Legener's picture

March 09, 2015 at 11:01 am

I heard the other day that Flynn has earned over 16Million so far. That's not bad considering he had 2 games of note, against the Lions and New England. For a guy with mediocre skills, that is a nice nestegg.
It's time we move on from Flynn and go with Tolzien as he is more mobile, younger and has the stronger arm. It's time for Tolzien to take a BIG step after being in the system, and Mike's QB camp for a few years now.

All that said, I don't see Tolzien as our long term answer. He reminds me of Randy Wright with a better arm.

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4thand1's picture

March 09, 2015 at 03:38 pm

Did you forget something? Last year he came in and saved the season. He earned his money .

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Samson's picture

March 09, 2015 at 04:06 pm

Saved the season ???

He won 2 games, lost 2 games and tied one. This is the big reason Tolzien is now # 2 on the depth chart & your guy is looking for another gig.

You continue to show your ignorance of anything football.

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