Packers Will Need A New Backup Quarterback, Who’s Available?

Packers Need at QB

To say Jordan Love has been completely healthy over the past couple of seasons would be a fallacy. He’s had his share of injuries, and because of this — hopefully not — we can probably expect him to miss time on occasion.

Because of that, it’s imperative that the Packers have a backup quarterback capable of winning a game or two in a pinch.

That’s what Malik Willis was able to do. But, he’s a Dolphin now.

So who could replace him?

There are several players still available via free agency. We can go ahead and ignore quarterbacks who clearly aren’t realistic possibilities — like Aaron Rodgers — or any quarterback who has reached a certain age threshold. Could the Packers bring in an aging veteran? Sure. But let’s focus on players who might be able to follow a similar developmental path as Willis.

With that criteria, one name stands out: Zach Wilson.

Wilson has plenty of arm talent but hasn’t been able to consistently put it together at the NFL level since entering the league as a top pick by the New York Jets. He’s a player who could benefit from spending a couple of seasons learning behind a quarterback-friendly head coach like Matt LaFleur.

Wilson does fit the bill as a backup quarterback for the Packers.

But for some reason, it still doesn’t sit quite right with me.

So are there other candidates?

Possibilities Other Than Free Agency

Of course, when the Packers acquired Malik Willis, it came through a trade near the end of training camp. So Green Bay doesn’t have to limit itself to free agency. They could explore trades or wait to see if another team releases a quarterback.

Two players fit that scenario.

The first is Spencer Rattler of the New Orleans Saints. Last year he was eventually replaced by Tyler Shough, but Rattler has shown flashes of talent. He might simply need the right environment to continue developing. Could that place be Green Bay?

The other possible trade — or cut-and-sign — candidate is Anthony Richardson.

Richardson is an elite athlete, but elite athleticism doesn’t always equal elite quarterback play. Just ask Tom Brady. Richardson is a dangerous runner and has a cannon for an arm, but his accuracy issues have held him back.

If Richardson were to come to Green Bay, back up Love, and learn the position from LaFleur, it could potentially be a very good thing.

Some Packers fans are hesitant about bringing Richardson in, but if I remember correctly, there were similar concerns when the Packers acquired Willis.

I’m not saying Green Bay should trade for Richardson.

But if he became available after being released, the Packers should absolutely consider taking a look at the young quarterback.

One Other Packers Possibility

Of course, the Packers could address quarterback in the draft. But all signs point to this year’s draft class being relatively weak at the position.

Another possibility is Justin Fields.

Fields hasn’t found long-term success with the Chicago Bears, the Pittsburgh Steelers, or the New York Jets. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he couldn’t develop further under Matt LaFleur and finally put his skill set together.

Could Justin Fields be the next Malik Willis?

Only time will tell.

As always,

Go Pack Go!