I was a bit gobsmacked reading that Green Bay Packers backup QB Alex McGough is now listed as a WR on the official depth chart. Given the pick up of Michael Pratt durng the draft, and the notably young and talented group of wide receivers in the building, this may just be the Packers way of putting Alex’s NFL future on life support.

FIU Record Breaker

QB Alex McGough came up at Florida International University. He was a true starting freshman in 2014. His debut was stellar, recording 117 yards and a touchown. By the end of the season he totaled 1,680 yards with 14 touchdowns.

Throughout his collegiate career, he would continue to shine as the Panthers starting QB. He curently ranks as 2nd all time for FIU in career completions (805), attempts (1,334), passing yards (9,084). He is the all time touchdown leader with 65.

His tenure with the Panthers came to a close in a heartbreaking 28-3 loss against Temple in the 2017 Gasparilla Bowl. This was FIU’s first bowl game since 2011, and it’s worth noting that Alex went out due to injury in the first quarter with a fractured collarbone.

From The NFL To The USFL & Back Again

NFL

McGough came into the 2018 draft at 6’3″ and 214 lbs, running a 4.64 second 40-yard dash. He was viewed by most NFL scouts to be a developmental backup in the league. Alex would go on to be picked up in the 7th round by the Seattle Seahawks who hadn’t drafted a QB since Russel WIlson in 2012. Unfortunately, McGough wouldn’t end up making the final 53 man roster. He went on to spend time with Jacksonville and Houston, as well as a short stint back in Seattle before making his way to the USFL.

USFL

QB Alex McGough was picked in the first round of the 2022 USFL Draft by the Birmingham Stallions. He would go on to win back to back championships in both ’22 and ’23, securing League MVP in 2023. According to his own website alexmcgough.com, he completed 180 of 267 passes (67.4 percent) for 2,105 yards (7.9 yards per attempt), 20 touchdowns and five interceptions over 10 regular season games.

Back Again

After the 2023 USFL Championship campaign Alex was brought into the building at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. After competing with fellow backup QB Sean Clifford, McGough saw preseason action against the Seahawks including a 52 yard bomb during a game winning 4th quarter drive.

Though he was waived the following week, he was quickly retained by the Packers via a spot on the practice squad. The writing at that point however, may have already been on the wall for Alex. With Jordan at the helm and Sean looking the part as a solid backup the opportunities would be fleeting for reps to earn a spot on the roster. He would in fact, begin to see some reps at wide receiver on the scout team. Notably he was part of the play which resulted in star CB Jaire Alexander injuring his shoulder.

Wide Receiver Opportunity

QB Alex McGough will now be competing in an already stacked young wide receiver room.

The current list of competitors looks as follows:

Christian Watson
Romeo Doubs
Jayden Reed
Dontayvion Wicks
Bo Melton
Malik Heath
Samori Toure
Grant DuBose
Thyrick Pitts

Suffice it to say, I’m not super confident that the 28 year old is going to hold a candle to most of the names on that list. I love Alex’s attitude and his story is truly inspiring to read. Unfortunately, the wide receiver room may be his last stop on his way out of the NFL.

Who knows, perhaps he will find new life in this position. He could also be shifted back to QB depending on how camp and the pre season shake out. We will have to see if he stays on board with the Packers, or if perhaps he’ll make another run at a chip in the newlly formed UFL.