Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Michael Pratt signed with the practice squad of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday.
The Packers drafted Pratt in the seventh round of the 2024 draft but released him at final cuts on Tuesday. Instead of keeping Pratt on the practice squad, the Packers went with second-year quarterback Sean Clifford as the No. 3 behind starter Jordan Love and newcomer Malik Willis.
Pratt completed 22 of 35 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Among his best throws was a 23-yard completion to Julian Hicks in the preseason opener and an 18-yard touchdown pass to Bo Melton in the preseason finale.
However, when neither Clifford nor Pratt proved capable of being the top backup behind Love this summer, the Packers had to make a move — and sending a seventh-round pick to the Titans for Willis was it. Clifford, who was the backup behind Love last season, made more sense as the practice squad option given his experience in the offense.
Pratt never looked ready to be the backup, and he threw a poor interception in the preseason finale.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said the team discussed keeping Pratt as the fourth quarterback but eventually went with just three based on the logistics of adding Willis, who will need time before he’s fully up to speed in the Packers offense.
Gutekunst said he thinks Pratt has a “bright future” in the NFL.
In Tampa Bay, Pratt will replace John Wolford as the No. 3 quarterback behind starter Baker Mayfield and backup Kyle Trask. Also, he will be reunited with Royce Newman, who was claimed off waivers by the Buccaneers on Wednesday.
