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What to Know: Packers sign rookies Sean Clifford and Grant DuBose

By Paul Bretl

Oct 29, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) looks to throw a pass during a warm up prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) looks to throw a pass during a warm up prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Green Bay Packers signed the first two members of their 2023 rookie class on Thursday, coming to contract agreements with fifth-round quarterback Sean Clifford as well as seventh-round wide receiver Grant DuBose.

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Clifford’s deal is the standard four years that come with a rookie contract, is worth $4.164 million, and includes a $324,180 signing bonus. DuBose, meanwhile, will earn $3.917 million over the four-year deal and earned a $77,784 signing bonus.

From a salary cap perspective, Clifford’s cap hit in 2023 will be $831,045, while Dubose’s is $769,445, according to Over the Cap. In total, Over the Cap projects that the Packers will need $14.29 million to sign the 13 members of their draft class, and that will take up $4.5 million in cap space. Following the Darnell Savage restructure and the Jordan Love extension, the Packers have around $10.6 million in available cap space currently.

Although the Packers very much needed a quarterback, with only Love and Danny Etling on the roster before the draft, the selection of Clifford did come as a surprise to many, as he was projected to go undrafted by many draft analysts.

However, as Brian Gutekunst discussed following the draft, 10 quarterbacks were already off the board at that point, and the Packers wanted to be certain they got their guy rather than waiting. This is what can happen in the draft when a team goes in with a need that has to be filled.

In addition to the circumstances that the Packers found themselves in, it’s clear that with such a young quarterback room, they valued Clifford’s experience with nearly 2,800 snaps over 51 games. Also mentioned was his athleticism – he posted a RAS of 9.04 and rushed for 500-plus yards in 2020 – along with his fit within the locker room.

While the Clifford selection left many scratching their heads, the DuBose pick was very on-brand for the Packers and considered a very good value at this stage of the draft. DuBose was productive in college, catching 126 targets and finding the end zone 16 times. He has a big body, standing over 6’2″ and weighing 201 pounds, and recorded a RAS of 8.79.

In a very young Packers’ receiver room, DuBose has the opportunity to earn a roster spot as a boundary target who could provide some special teams value as well. As of now, DuBose will likely be competing with Bo Melton, and potentially a veteran addition, for a roster spot.

The Packers made 13 selections in this year’s draft, and as of now, they have 11 of their draft picks left to sign.

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