Canadian QB Taylor Elgersma speaks on Green Bay exit and NFL opportunities

Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma is staying optimistic about earning another NFL chance after being released by the Green Bay Packers at the end of training camp in August.

The 23-year-old said his time in Green Bay was a major step in his development, giving him the opportunity to learn from head coach Matt LaFleur, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich and quarterbacks Jordan Love, Malik Willis and Sean Clifford. Practising and taking snaps at Lambeau Field, he explained, helped him grow both mentally and physically as a player.

Elgersma acknowledged the pressure that comes with life in the NFL, particularly as an undrafted free agent where every repetition can determine your future. Still, he viewed the experience as invaluable and hopes it’s only the beginning of his professional journey.

Standing six-foot-five and weighing 227 pounds, Elgersma signed with Green Bay as a UDFA last May after impressing at rookie minicamp. He became just the fourth Canadian university quarterback to sign an NFL deal — and the first in nearly four decades. During preseason action, he completed 16 of 23 passes for 166 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions, posting a 104.6 passer rating.

He also threw a touchdown at the Packers’ Family Night scrimmage and appeared to be in contention for the No. 3 quarterback role. However, despite positive reviews, the Packers released him and later added Clayton Tune.

Elgersma said he was proud of how he performed but understands he still has room to grow. He believes he proved he belongs at the NFL level and remains focused on improving the finer details of his game while waiting for the next opportunity.

Before departing Green Bay, he sought feedback directly from LaFleur, wanting to better understand the decision. He described the conversation as open and constructive, saying it reinforced how important his work ethic and approach to the game are moving forward.

Toronto Argonauts head coach Mike Miller, who previously worked with Elgersma through the CFL’s quarterback internship program, believes the young passer handled himself well and showed enough to be considered for a roster spot. He noted that final roster decisions often involve many factors beyond on-field performance.

Since leaving the Packers, Elgersma has remained active. He worked out for the New York Giants shortly after his release and later visited the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins. He considers those opportunities a blessing, noting many free agents never receive multiple workouts.

The process, he explained, is demanding — quick trips, early mornings and limited time to impress — but he views it as a test of resilience and adaptability, qualities he believes are essential to surviving in pro football.

Watching former Senior Bowl peers find success in the league has also fueled his confidence. Seeing players he competed alongside reach the NFL reinforces his belief that he can do the same.

In the meantime, Elgersma has stayed busy at home in Ontario, helping mentor young quarterbacks and continuing his own training. He recognizes that coming from Canadian university football means proving himself in a different version of the game, but he treats that as motivation rather than a setback.

Instead of seeing it as a disadvantage, he views the situation as a chance to change perceptions and show he can succeed in the four-down American game just as he did in Canada.

Elgersma has already broken new ground for Canadian quarterbacks — and he’s determined his story in professional football isn’t finished yet.