Packers Eyeing 4-Time Pro Bowler as Backup QB

Green Bay looking to add veteran experience behind Jordan Love after losing Malik Willis in free agency.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:52pm

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The Green Bay Packers are in the market for a new backup quarterback after Malik Willis departed in free agency. ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell suggests the Packers could target former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, a 4-time Pro Bowler who was recently released, as a potential insurance policy behind starter Jordan Love.

Why it matters

The Packers have Super Bowl aspirations, so finding a reliable backup quarterback is crucial in case Love misses time due to injury. Cousins, despite his recent struggles, would provide much more veteran experience and proven production than the Packers' current backup options.

The details

The Packers lost Willis, their previous backup QB, when he signed a 3-year, $67.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. With Love as the starter, the Packers are currently left with Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord as backup options, which may not be enough for a team with championship goals. Barnwell believes Cousins, a 4-time Pro Bowler who was recently released by the Falcons, could be a solid fit as Love's understudy given his experience and the Packers' play-action heavy offense under coach Matt LaFleur.

  • Malik Willis departed the Packers in free agency in March 2026.
  • Kirk Cousins was released by the Falcons in March 2026.

The players

Jordan Love

The Packers' starting quarterback entering the 2026 season.

Malik Willis

The Packers' former backup quarterback who signed a 3-year, $67.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins in free agency.

Kirk Cousins

A 4-time Pro Bowl quarterback who was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons and is now a free agent.

Matt LaFleur

The Packers' head coach, known for running a play-action heavy offense.

Desmond Ridder

One of the Packers' current backup quarterback options behind Jordan Love.

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What they’re saying

“The Packers need a backup quarterback after losing Malik Willis to the Dolphins in free agency. They run play-action at one of the highest rates in the league under Matt LaFleur. Jordan Love has missed two games to injury in each of the past two years, so the Packers have to be conscious of their need to have a backup they trust in a meaningful spot if Love can't go.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Packers will likely evaluate their options at backup quarterback in the coming weeks, with Kirk Cousins potentially emerging as a top target if he is willing to accept a reserve role.

The takeaway

With Super Bowl aspirations, the Packers understand the importance of having a reliable backup quarterback behind Jordan Love. Signing a veteran like Kirk Cousins, despite his recent struggles, could provide valuable insurance and experience for a team built to contend in 2026.