The Green Bay Packers are preparing for a potential change in their backup quarterback position as Malik Willis is projected to play for another NFL team in 2026. Willis is expected to command a contract similar to Justin Fields' two-year, $40 million deal. The Packers' current cap situation may not accommodate such a deal, especially considering the market for veteran backup quarterbacks averages around $5 million annually.
Recent Quarterback Acquisitions
To address future depth, the Packers recently added Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord.
- Desmond Ridder: Acquired as an emergency quarterback for the playoffs, Ridder was a 74th overall pick in the 2022 draft. He has an 8-10 record as a starter, completing 374 of 588 passes for 4,002 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, with 50 sacks. His adjusted net yards per attempt is 5.33. Ridder was brought up to the 53-man roster for the playoffs after the team's third-string quarterback, Clayton Tune, underperformed.
- Kyle McCord: Signed by the Packers after spending 20 weeks on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. McCord was a sixth-round pick in this year's draft and was ranked 132nd overall on the 2025 consensus board.
Previous Backup Quarterback Strategy
The team's current strategy contrasts with their approach in the 2023 NFL Draft. Following Aaron Rodgers' trade, the Packers needed a backup for Jordan Love but faced cap constraints. They drafted Sean Clifford 149th overall in the fifth round after a rapid succession of quarterback selections left few options. Other quarterbacks drafted ahead of Clifford in that period included Jake Haener, Stetson Bennett, Aidan O’Connell, Clayton Tune, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Most of these selections did not result in long-term NFL success.
The acquisition of Malik Willis involved trading a 2025 seventh-round pick, a move that proved beneficial for Green Bay, yielding a 134.6 passer rating and 261 yards with three touchdowns from Willis over 89 throws. The Packers may also receive a compensatory fifth-round pick in 2027 if Willis departs in free agency.
In 2024, the Packers drafted Michael Pratt in the seventh round and briefly signed Jacob Eason. Following dissatisfaction with the summer's quarterback performances, the team traded for Willis. Clifford returned to the practice squad, while Pratt joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad before moving to the UFL.
Future Draft Considerations
The recent additions of Ridder and McCord provide the Packers with more flexibility in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team can now prioritize value rather than drafting for immediate need at the quarterback position. Potential 2026 draft prospects, based on consensus board rankings, include Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Trinidad Chambliss, Garrett Nussmeier, Carson Beck, Drew Allar, Taylen Green, Cade Klubnik, Sawyer Robertson, Diego Pavia, Cole Payton, Jalon Daniels, and Behren Morton.
The Packers have also shown interest in Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski, potentially as a late-round pick or priority undrafted free agent. This interest is linked to Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester, a former Packers analyst, and quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion, who will have direct access to Gronowski at the East-West Shrine Bowl.