In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Green Bay Packers have officially signed quarterback Clayton Tune to their practice squad, marking the end of a prolonged pursuit that began in the 2023 NFL Draft. The acquisition, first reported by Walter B.J. Mitchell from the Red Rain Podcast and later confirmed by Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, signals a significant shift in Green Bay’s quarterback room as they look to bolster their depth behind starter Jordan Love.
The Packers’ interest in Tune is far from a recent development. During the 2023 NFL Draft, Tune was on Green Bay’s radar, with the team engaging in pre-draft conversations with the promising quarterback. However, their plans were thwarted when the Arizona Cardinals selected Tune in the fifth round, just 10 picks before the Packers drafted Sean Clifford. At the time, Clifford was seen as the last quarterback with a draftable grade, and with limited financial flexibility to pursue a veteran, Green Bay settled for Clifford as a developmental backup.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Packers have finally landed their man. After a competitive training camp battle for the QB3 spot on the practice squad, neither Clifford nor Canadian rookie Taylor Elgersma emerged as the solution. Instead, Green Bay seized the opportunity to sign Tune after he cleared waivers, a move that has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike.
Clayton Tune’s NFL career began as the third-string quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, behind Kyler Murray and Josh Dobbs. His rookie season saw him thrust into the backup role when Murray suffered an injury and Dobbs was traded. In 2024, Tune solidified his position as Murray’s primary backup, but the Cardinals’ decision to sign veteran Jacoby Brissett this offseason signaled a shift in their quarterback hierarchy.
Despite the option to remain on Arizona’s practice squad, Tune chose to join the Packers, drawn by the opportunity to develop under head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion. Known for their ability to nurture quarterback talent, LaFleur and Mannion offer Tune a chance to refine his skills in one of the NFL’s most quarterback-friendly systems.
“No position is handed to you, so you got to go out and earn it,” Tune said earlier this offseason after the Cardinals signed Brissett. “It really doesn’t change my mindset. Like I said every year, you’re going to have to earn the job, so that’s the mindset I came into this offseason with.” This gritty, determined approach aligns perfectly with the Packers’ culture of hard work and competition.
Over his tenure with the Cardinals, Tune appeared in 13 games, completing 60.9% of his passes for no touchdowns and two interceptions. In the 2025 preseason, he showcased his potential, completing 30 of 49 attempts for 186 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. While his stats may not yet scream superstar, Tune’s arm talent, mobility, and football IQ make him an intriguing developmental prospect.
For the Packers, Tune represents a high-upside addition to a quarterback room that has struggled to find reliable depth behind Jordan Love. His signing to the practice squad comes with an added layer of intrigue: as an Exclusive Rights Free Agent next offseason, Tune could transition to a restricted free agent if he spends six or more weeks on the active roster, giving Green Bay flexibility in their long-term planning.
The acquisition of Clayton Tune marks a turning point for the Packers, who have been searching for a dependable backup quarterback since Jordan Love took over as the starter. Last season’s trade for Malik Willis and the subsequent waiving of Clifford and Michael Pratt highlighted Green Bay’s willingness to explore all options to strengthen their quarterback depth. This year, the decision to move on from Clifford and Elgersma in favor of Tune underscores their belief in his potential to grow into a reliable QB2 or QB3.
With Tune now in the fold, the Packers have a quarterback who not only fits their offensive scheme but also brings a hunger to prove himself. Under LaFleur’s guidance, Tune has the opportunity to develop into a valuable asset, whether as a long-term backup or a potential trade piece in the future.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Clayton Tune as he competes for a spot on Green Bay’s active roster. His journey from a fifth-round draft pick to a coveted addition to the Packers’ practice squad is a testament to his resilience and potential. For a franchise with a storied history of quarterback excellence, Tune’s arrival could be the spark that ignites a new chapter in Green Bay’s ongoing quest for greatness.
The Packers have finally landed their dream quarterback prospect, and the NFL world is buzzing with anticipation. Will Clayton Tune rise to the occasion and carve out a lasting role in Green Bay? Only time will tell, but for now, this unbelievable turning point has given Packers fans plenty to cheer about.