Andrew Buller-Russ
Green Bay Packers rumors have been flying all offseason, since before Malik Willis left to sign with the Miami Dolphins. No one expected the Packers to have a chance to sign Willis, who was widely anticipated to land a better playing opportunity elsewhere. Yet, considering Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has long had an appreciation for developing quarterbacks, rumors have suggested that Green Bay may trade for another young prospect with untapped potential.
The name most commonly linked to the Packers has been former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson. While the Indianapolis Colts remain open to trading their former first-round pick while moving forward with Daniel Jones. Green Bay’s latest move suggests a trade for Richardson may not be a top priority right now.
On Monday, the Packers announced that they’ve signed 36-year-old QB Tyrod Taylor to a one-year contract to back up starter Jordan Love.
Taylor is a one-time Pro Bowler who spent the past two seasons with the New York Jets, appearing in eight games and making six starts. He completed 62.2% of his passes for 898 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions with the Jets.
The Packers are also releasing former Falcons third-round pick Desmond Ridder. The 26-year-old has made 18 starts in the NFL, but now will be seeking his seventh NFL team since arriving in 2022.
Taylor joins an unproven Packers QB depth chart led by Love, Kyle McCord, and Kyron Drones. McCord, 23, was a sixth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles last year. Drones is an undrafted rookie.
If nothing else, Taylor brings 15 years of NFL experience to a group that hasn’t seen much time on the field. He’ll be the veteran voice in the QB room to complement Love. Whether the Packers are still willing to invest more into that group, such as trading a Day 3 pick for Richardson, remains to be seen, but it’s possible that only Love and Taylor make the roster, which could leave space for a developmental option.
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