Tyrod Taylor signing gives Packers exactly what they needed

Tyrod Taylor. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Tyrod Taylor signing gives Packers exactly what they needed after Malik Willis exit

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated May 4, 2026 7:33 PM ET

Head coach Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers did wonders for the career of Malik Willis.

He's now the starting quarterback of the Miami Dolphins and the owner of a fresh new three-year, $67 million contract. Before the Packers traded a seventh-round pick to the Tennessee Titans to make Willis Jordan Love's backup, he was considered a bust.

Tyrod Taylor is in an entirely different situation than Willis. The latter is 26 years old. The former is 36.

Taylor doesn't need a career revival. He's never been a superstar, but he's made a name for himself in the league as a strong backup and an adequate starter when his number is called.

That's exactly the type of backup quarterback the Packers needed with Willis heading out the door via free agency. That's exactly the type of quarterback they're getting in Taylor.

He signed a contract with the Packers on Monday and is likely the QB2 for Green Bay heading into 2026.

Packers signing QB Tyrod Taylor. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/XedK8CqAQ4
— NFL (@NFL) May 4, 2026

Tyrod Taylor a legit backup QB for Green Bay Packers

Taylor has been in the NFL for 15 seasons, and he's played in 100 games with 62 starts.

He's about as veteran as you can get in this league without encroaching on Aaron Rodgers' territory.

He's also about as strong as a backup as you can get for a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.

The Packers hope they won't have to call Taylor's number, of course. Love is their undisputed starter, and when he's healthy, he's become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Health has been a slight concern for Love, though. In 2024, he missed two games with an MCL sprain and was banged up for much of the campaign. Last season, he missed two games with a concussion.

The Packers needed to know that if they have to turn to the bench, they've got a player at QB2 who can keep them in the game, if not help them win it.

Love doesn't deserve the "injury prone" tag just yet, but in a Super Bowl chase, every game matters. If Love has to miss time, the Packers need a backup quarterback they can rely on.

They had that in Willis before he left via free agency, and now, they've got it again in Taylor.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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