Packers Seek Backup QB After Malik Willis Departure

Green Bay Faces Uncertainty at Quarterback Depth Following Star Backup's Exit

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:30am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Packers quarterback in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form capturing the dynamic nature of the position and the team's need to find a reliable backup.A cubist interpretation of the Packers' search for a new backup quarterback to support their starter, Jordan Love.Green Bay Today

The Green Bay Packers find themselves in a familiar position this NFL draft season - searching for a reliable backup quarterback after the departure of Malik Willis, their high-performing second-string signal caller. With Jordan Love entrenched as the starter, the team must now determine how to fill the void left by Willis, who proved invaluable in keeping the Packers competitive during crucial moments when Love was sidelined. The Packers' limited draft capital and an underwhelming quarterback class present challenges as they look to shore up the depth behind their starting QB.

Why it matters

The backup quarterback position is often overlooked, but as the Packers have learned, it can make all the difference between a season that fizzles out and one that ends in glory. Willis wasn't just a placeholder - he was a game-changer who stepped in seamlessly when Love was injured. The Packers' inability to advance past the divisional round in recent years may be as much about the depth behind the starter as it is about the starter himself.

The details

The Packers currently have Jordan Love as their starting quarterback, with Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord as the backups. However, neither Ridder nor McCord inspire the same confidence that Willis did. Ridder has starting experience but lacks the athleticism and arm talent that made Willis so effective, while McCord is an unknown quantity after being cut by the Eagles. The Packers will need to be strategic in the 2026 draft, as they have just seven picks and the quarterback class is underwhelming, with only 17 players receiving draftable grades from The Athletic's Dane Brugler.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching in the coming weeks.
  • Malik Willis departed the Packers after the 2025 season.

The players

Jordan Love

The Packers' starting quarterback, firmly entrenched in the role.

Malik Willis

The Packers' former high-performing backup quarterback who proved invaluable in keeping the team competitive when Love was sidelined.

Desmond Ridder

A former third-round pick currently on the Packers' roster, with starting experience but lacking the athleticism and arm talent of Willis.

Kyle McCord

A quarterback on the Packers' roster who was cut by the Eagles after just one season, an unknown quantity.

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What they’re saying

“What many people don't realize is that the backup quarterback can be the difference between a season that fizzles out and one that ends in glory.”

— Merrill Bechtelar, Author

What’s next

The Packers will need to carefully evaluate their options in the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as potential veteran free agent signings, to find a reliable backup quarterback to support Jordan Love and maintain their championship aspirations.

The takeaway

The Packers' quarterback depth has become a critical issue, as the loss of Malik Willis has left a void that must be filled. The team's limited draft capital and the underwhelming quarterback class present challenges, but finding the right backup QB could be the key to unlocking the Packers' full potential and advancing deeper into the playoffs.