Packers Predicted to Replace Malik Willis with Kaepernick-Like QB Prospect

Green Bay has an opening to fill at backup QB after Malik Willis' departure.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:37pm

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With Malik Willis leaving the Packers in free agency, the team is looking to the upcoming NFL Draft to find a new backup quarterback behind Jordan Love. ESPN's Ben Solak predicts the Packers could target Taylen Green out of Arkansas in the fifth round, comparing the athletic QB prospect to Colin Kaepernick.

Why it matters

The Packers have prioritized athleticism at the QB2 position under Matt LaFleur, and finding the right long-term backup behind Jordan Love is crucial for the team to reach its ceiling. Green's raw talent and running ability could make him an ideal fit, even if his passing mechanics need refinement.

The details

Solak writes that Green is "an incredible athlete with shaky mechanics" who would require an offense to "rely heavily on the QB running game." The Packers have had success developing athletic backups like Malik Willis and Desmond Ridder in recent years.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29.

The players

Jordan Love

The Packers' starting quarterback who has missed time due to injuries, highlighting the importance of having a quality backup.

Malik Willis

The former Packers backup QB who left in free agency to sign a big contract with the Miami Dolphins.

Taylen Green

An athletic quarterback prospect from Arkansas who is being compared to Colin Kaepernick due to his running ability and inconsistent passing mechanics.

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What they’re saying

“His throwing mechanics are extremely rough, making him more reminiscent of Colin Kaepernick than (Anthony) Richardson or (Cam) Newton. Green's accuracy is predictably scattershot, and his inconsistency hitting layups makes it tough to build a reliable passing game around him. As such, any offense fielding Green would need to rely heavily on the QB running game; he should see 10-plus carries in any game he plays, a league-leading rate.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Packers will have the opportunity to select Taylen Green or another quarterback prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft on April 27-29.

The takeaway

The Packers are looking to find the right long-term backup quarterback behind Jordan Love, and Taylen Green's raw athleticism and running ability could make him an intriguing fifth-round target despite his passing mechanics needing refinement.