Hundley's Value is Ascending

Second-year man and back-up quarterback Brett Hundley is showing he has the skill. But how long until teams around the league begin to take notice?

Backing up arguably the best quarterback in the league has its perks, huh?

The former UCLA Bruin who has made the transition from the college level to the pros with seemingly minimal difficulty not only showcased his heavily-armed skill set last preseason, but in recent offseason team activities as well. Hundley took charge of the first-string offense in a week where 15 veterans were excused from all minicamp activities. 

As Hundley led the charge, coaches took notice to the newfound level of comfort he had shown in the offense. He did as well. 

"Yeah, I feel a lot more comfortable," Hundley told reporters outside his locker after a Tuesday minicamp practice in June. "Just from the standpoint of knowing the offense and sort of just what I was saying, it's really more about the steady growth and the slow building." 

The potential heir to the throne Aaron Rodgers currently occupies? Not a chance. Realistically and assuming he stays healthy, the Packers have another seven, possibly eight years left with Rodgers at the helm. I would take a total shot in the dark guess and say Hundley doesn't plan on playing the role of "next in line" for nearly 60 percent of his career. 

That's right, folks. We have another Matt Flynn situation on our hands. Only this time, Hundley won't be a hot commodity because of one stand-out performance in a season finale where he threw for nearly 500 yards and six touchdowns.

No, instead Hundley would be a hot commodity because the Packers would likely give him the opportunity to continue developing in their organization. Once the time comes and Hundley is ready to be shopped, chances are Green Bay can nab something in return. Every Cheesehead knows Ted Thompson is currently salivating at the thought of an extra draft pick or two.

The Packers chose to let Flynn walk at the culmination of the 2011 season where he was eventually picked up by the Seahawks. More specifically, Seahawks general manager John Schneider, who was a driving force in Green Bay's front office in 2008 - the year Flynn was selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Between Schneider and Flynn, there was clear familiarity on both sides. Flynn's one-hit-wonder performance was just icing on the cake.

The Seahawks historically seem to have interest in backup quarterbacks of the Packers. Matt Hasselbeck was the last quarterback shopped from Green Bay to Seattle in a time where Thompson was the Vice President of Football Operations for the Seahawks and Schneider was in his final months as the Director of Player Personnel. Even weirder, former Packers head coach Mike Holmgren - one of the men responsible for drafting Hasselbeck to Green Bay, was then the head coach in Seattle. 

In that 2001 scenario, the Packers included their first round (17th overall) selection in the Hasselbeck bundle and in exchange received a 10th overall pick along with an extra third-rounder in their pocket. Both picks were used to draft defensive end Jamal Reynolds and linebacker Torrance Marshall respectively.

Could we see a similar swap between Thompson and Schneider with Hundley being the target of their interest? Unlikely considering the Seahawks don't exactly need a quarterback. Hundley also won't be happy going from one squad to another playing second fiddle to another quarterback unless his talent (or lack thereof) deemed it fit, but time will tell.

By the time Hundley's contract expires three years from now in 2019, he'll have proven to be a solidified backup. Unfortunately for those who have already purchased their Hundley jerseys and other memorabilia, like most standout players who are stuck in a rut behind an all-pro, they'll want to get an opportunity to take their talents to South Beach.

...or, you know, another city that houses a major NFL franchise and can provide said player with a starting job.

Until that time comes and Hundley continues the sky-rocketing journey to his skill ceiling, teams will eventually take notice and the Packers will ultimately have a decision to make with the young quarterback.

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (24)

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Handsback's picture

June 30, 2016 at 07:28 am

This is all great speculation, however there has to be a decent second string QB ready to go if Hundley moves on. So the coaching staff has two years to take some raw talent and develop them into a NFL QB. Doesn't sound too hard.......NOT!
Getting back to the article, I'm expecting either the Bills or Dolphins to make a move for Hundley. They have another year or two to see if they have NFL caliber QBs and IMHO, they don't and will need one ASAP. TT will have done exactly what he set out to do....pick up a great QB prospect, develop him, and trade him for some great draft picks.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

June 30, 2016 at 12:33 pm

"has two years "

Hundley is on a four year deal so they have three years left.

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MarkinMadison's picture

June 30, 2016 at 02:45 pm

His timing is relative to the target teams figuring out what they have, not Hundley's contract. I 'd think trading him with an extra year remaining on the contract would just up the price for the Packers.

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slicknic007's picture

July 01, 2016 at 06:37 am

I can see the Pack bring a veteran backup in if the situation required it. Personally, I feel that if Hundley has to take over at all this season, the Jets may beat down our door. That being said, don't count the Cowboys out either. I don't think that Romo's body can last as long as his contract.

I like the thought of having a backup with starter potential, and I like the fact that we can shop that person around to better our team. That being said though, its hard to watch talent being sent to another team.

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NickPerry's picture

June 30, 2016 at 07:34 am

Personally I've always liked the fact Flynn was horrible everywhere he played BUT Green Bay.

This year I feel better about who the Packers have backing up Rodgers than I have since 2011. I know several liked Tolzien but I just never cared much for him. If Rodgers was to go down for a few games, Tolzien just didn't give me the feeling he could do the job. God forbid anything happens to Rodgers but if he was injured for say 4 games, I feel like the Packers would be okay with Hundley and not call Matt Flynn to keep them winning.
I've heard "Experts" say if your starter goes down for say 4 games, you'd want your back-up to be capable of going at least 2-2. I believe Hundley could go 2-2 or better. This is one athletic kid who Thompson stole in the 5th. He gave up his 5th and a 7th (247th pick) to move up 19 spots. One of Teds better picks when you look at the value and what they might get in return on a trade.

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BradHTX's picture

June 30, 2016 at 07:53 am

Here's hoping that whatever they get in a trade, they do better with than drafting Jamal Reynolds and Torrance Marshall. A deal is only as good as what you do with what you get from it. Drafting and developing Hasselbeck, trading him, and then drafting those two with the proceeds was the biggest crapping of the bed Ron Wolf did during his years in Green Bay.

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NickPerry's picture

July 01, 2016 at 05:33 am

LOL...That's exactly what I thought Brad. I have forgotten Reynolds was part of that whole Hasselbeck trade. I'd throw in taking Buckley over Troy Vincent in 1992 right up there too.

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MarkinMadison's picture

June 30, 2016 at 02:47 pm

I thought Tolzien was in the same category as Flynn. I feel like Hundley brings some extra zip.

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John Galt III's picture

June 30, 2016 at 06:26 pm

Last year the Broncos had their HOF QB go down and their 2nd round draft choice was 5 Wins and 2 Losses. Of course the Broncos won all year with their defense and in a baseball analogy, if your starters are pitching three hitters every game your W-L record will be great.

I like Hundley and if given the chance might be a lot better than 2-2.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

June 30, 2016 at 08:17 am

I'd suggest that there might be as much value in having a reliable back-up QB for a few seasons as there is in the draft pick we ultimately probably will receive, either via trade or a compensatory pick. Both depend on how much better Hundley gets and whether he has some opportunity to show it in real games (I am hopeful Hundley's opportunity arises due to a blow out game or a game that doesn't matter because we have the bye and home field wrapped up). His value will always be less if he only has played in preseason games.

We might be putting the cart before the horse here, as Hundley actually has to develop before these scenarios can develop. I think his development looks quite possible, but the bulk of a QB's development comes between the ears. I think he has the physical ability as a passer and a bonus with his running ability.

I am just suggesting that having a great back-up for the next 3 seasons and then getting a 3rd or 4th round comp pick might be better than getting 2 seasons as a back-up and then trading Hundley for a 2nd (!) or 3rd/4th. And, whenever he leaves, TT will have to find another QB to back-up AR.

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Tundraboy's picture

June 30, 2016 at 10:44 am

"I'd suggest that there might be as much value in having a reliable back-up QB for a few seasons as there is in the draft pick we ultimately probably will receive, either via trade or a compensatory pick. "

Totally agree. Having a sold backup for 2 to 3 years is far better and would be a greater benefit to the team. Sure hope it pans out that way.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

June 30, 2016 at 11:12 am

I'm with you on this @Reynoldo

Until Rodgers is one of the least sacked QBs and learns how to surrender at times (the old Peyton Manning lay down move) getting rid of a solid-to-pretty-good backup is premature. I don't care what the offers are (they won't be anything that sweeps TT off of his feet).

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Since'61's picture

June 30, 2016 at 08:24 am

To me the real question about Hundley is where is Aaron Rodgers in his career in 2019 when his contract is up? As the Packers would you rather keep a 36-37 year old Rodgers or move on to a much younger Hundley who you have invested 4 seasons in developing. Obviously if Rodgers is still playing at high level and is healthy you try to re-sign. However, there are a few variables concerning Rodger's future that could impact Hundley. Does he decide to, sign with another team, like the Broncos, who may try the same formula they just used with Peyton Manning to go for another SB. If Rodgers wins another SB or 2 in the next few years he may decide to ride off into the proverbial sunset. Or another concussion or injury(s) may determine Rodger's and Hundley's respective futures. While I hope that Rodgers is able to give the Packers another 7-8 good seasons nothing is guaranteed about either Rodgers or Hundley. Speaking for myself, if Hundley evolves into the real deal I would be in no rush to trade him away if I were the Packers. Thanks, Since '61

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MarkinMadison's picture

June 30, 2016 at 02:50 pm

Bingo. TT came in and pulled the rug out from under #4 when he wasn't much older than 36. How good is Hundley going to be? That is the right question to ask.

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Bedrock's picture

June 30, 2016 at 09:08 am

My concern is GB/MM reputation for system QBs kinda like the Tedford reputation before Rodgers. Flynn was only good in GB...other QBs from GB were okay to good. It is no secret MM and his "QB school" do good things for them. But can other teams take the talent from GB and continue the growth? I feel, in reaction to '61, MM and Rodgers are likely joined at the hip unless catastrophe strikes. The Hundley success will likely have a big impact on how future QBs are seen from GB in future years.

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TarynsEyes's picture

June 30, 2016 at 09:44 am

The play of Rodgers and the offense as a whole will have a huge impact on Hundley ' s future in GB and elsewhere.
The offense needs to afford as many opportunities for Hundley to be showcased to attract the attention needed other than being in GB and the school of McCarthy.
Hundley likely has no intention if remaining in GB behind Rodgers and won't even entertain an extension and is looking forward to FA at this time even though his contract ends in 19'.
The Packers will draft another next season unless one on the roster in camp is deemed a strong candidate to stash until next season where 3 SB'S are kept on the 53 unlike this season.
Hundley needs play time this year as next year the possibility, low but still, rises that he loses his back up to another, injury or other reason, and his trade value falls and a year after so does his FA value.
This has the Packers sitting calm but Hundley could be looking at a wreck for him warranted or not. : )

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Point-Packer's picture

June 30, 2016 at 12:10 pm

Oh great. We'll draft him in the fifth round, spend three or four years investing in making him a great QB for another team and then trade him for a 3rd rounder. Sounds like a steal. Can't believe other teams don't do the same...

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al bundy's picture

June 30, 2016 at 12:40 pm

Please! If he was that hot a prospect, he wouldn't have been available where he was taken. That's why teams, all teams have talent scouts.
Apparently none were too impressed with this guy for reasons? He may just be that, an emergency backup. No one talked first round with this guy or second.

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John Galt III's picture

June 30, 2016 at 06:38 pm

Oh, Really?

Tom Brady - 6th Round - 4 Super Bowel Wins
Rich Gannon - 4th round and NFL MVP
Mark Rypien - 6th Round - Super Bowl MVP
Joe Theisman - 4th Round - QB of Super Bowl Winner Redskins
Roger Staubach - 10th round - QB of Super Bowl winner Cowboys - twice

and last but not least

Bart Starr - 17th round - well, you know

You may have heard of them in your career as an expert football analyst.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

June 30, 2016 at 06:51 pm

Classic riposte, JGIII.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

June 30, 2016 at 07:40 pm

Lol, expect no reply or something along the lines of, "So, now you are comparing him to HOF QBs?".

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Tundraboy's picture

June 30, 2016 at 08:19 pm

Lol Really. Cow must be in dispose today

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Since'61's picture

June 30, 2016 at 10:04 pm

Not to mention Johnny Unitas, drafted in the 9th round by the Steelers, released and picked up by the Baltimore Colts, where he created the modern QB position while he was playing and is still considered by many to be the greatest QB of all time. But hey what chance does a fifth round pick have? Thanks, Since '61

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sheppercheeser's picture

July 01, 2016 at 05:03 am

I sure hope us fans get a chance to see Brett showcase his talents sometime this year. Hopefully in a situation where GB is up big in a game and they sit AR down.

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