Packers re-sign backup QB Tolzien

Scott Tolzien is getting another chance to win the Green Bay Packers' backup quarterback job.

An NFL source confirmed the Packers have re-signed the backup quarterback to a one-year deal. Packer Report, which broke his re-signing, reported the deal is worth around $1.35 million.

That figure would double his salary from last season ($645,000), giving a strong indication of how the team feels about him potentially backing up Aaron Rodgers.

Tolzien, who'll turn 28 in September, served as the third-string quarterback behind Rodgers and Matt Flynn this season. He was inactive for the first 15 games before dressing the final three after Rodgers tweaked his ankle against Tampa Bay in December.

The former Wisconsin quarterback arrived in Green Bay at the start of the 2013 NFL season on the team's practice squad. Tolzien was activated a little more than a month later and made two starts after Rodgers broke his collarbone against Chicago.

The Packers signed him to a two-year contract upon his promotion to the active roster, a deal which expired immediately after the team's 28-22 overtime loss to Seattle last month in the NFC championship game.

Tolzien played well during the preseason. He completed 38-of-56 passes for 477 yards and three touchdowns for a 112.0 passer rating. It forced Packers general manager Ted Thompson's hand in keeping three quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster for the first time since 2008.

The Packers still used veteran Matt Flynn as Rodgers' primary backup on game days last season based largely on his knowledge of the system. Flynn, who turns 30 this offseason, is also an unrestricted free agent after signing a one-year, $1.068 million deal last April.

The decision to bring back Tolzien before he even reached the free-agent market could mean the organization is moving on with a younger backup instead of Flynn, who had a 34.9 passer rating and two turnovers in seven appearances. The Packers have also wanted to develop a younger prospect, something they struggled to do last year with four quarterbacks in camp.

At the NFL scouting combine, Packers coach Mike McCarthy reiterated Tolzien's upside after two seasons in Green Bay. Tolzien, already known for his work ethic, is now positioned to land a more high-profile role.

-whodkiew@pressgazettemedia.com and follow him on Twitter @WesHod.