Green Bay Packers Backup QB Options After Malik Willis Departure: What Comes Next for Jordan Love’s Support

The Green Bay Packers are once again searching for a reliable backup quarterback after the departure of Malik Willis. Following the expiration of his rookie contract at the start of the new NFL league year, Willis entered free agency and secured a significant new deal with the Miami Dolphins.

While Willis’ time in Green Bay was relatively short, his development and performances proved valuable when called upon. His exit now leaves the Packers in a familiar situation: finding a dependable second quarterback capable of stepping in if starter Jordan Love misses time.

Historically, the Packers have had a strong tradition of quality backup quarterbacks. Over the years, players such as Doug Pederson, Matt Hasselbeck, Mark Brunell, and Matt Flynn have filled that role effectively. Willis briefly joined that respected group before moving on to Miami.

Now, with the offseason underway, the Packers must determine who will serve as Love’s backup heading into the next NFL season.

Desmond Ridder Could Be the Packers’ In-House Backup Option

Currently, the only other quarterback on the Packers roster besides Love is Desmond Ridder. The former Atlanta Falcons draft pick could become the leading candidate for the backup role if the team decides to look internally.

Ridder entered the NFL in the 2022 draft after an impressive college career at the University of Cincinnati. Selected in the third round, he was the second quarterback taken that year and arrived in Atlanta with considerable expectations.

His rookie season showed flashes of promise. Ridder started four games late in the year and led the Falcons to a 2–2 record. During that stretch, he threw for 708 yards and two touchdowns without an interception while also adding 64 rushing yards.

However, his second season proved far more challenging. Ridder struggled with consistency and was temporarily benched in favor of veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Over the full season, he finished with 2,836 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, while contributing 193 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Since then, Ridder has moved around the league, searching for a stable opportunity. His athletic ability and mobility still make him an intriguing option, especially in a system that emphasizes quarterback movement and play-action.

Working under Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy could provide Ridder with the structure and coaching needed to refine his decision-making and mechanics.

Still, while Ridder may currently lead the race for the backup spot, Green Bay will likely add competition during training camp.

Free-Agent Quarterbacks the Packers Could Target

With Willis leaving in free agency, the Packers may also explore external options to strengthen the quarterback depth chart.

One of the most surprising names on the open market is legendary Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Although Rodgers is technically a free agent for only the second time in his NFL career, a return to Green Bay is extremely unlikely given the team’s commitment to Jordan Love.

Looking at the broader free-agent market, several experienced quarterbacks are available. However, many may not fit Green Bay’s specific needs.

Veterans like Joe Flacco and Tyrod Taylor could potentially compete for starting roles elsewhere, making them less likely candidates for a pure backup job. Similarly, Carson Wentz may prefer opportunities where he can challenge for a starting position.

Other names such as Zach Wilson, Josh Johnson, and Trey Lance have also been mentioned in league discussions, though their recent performances have raised questions about reliability.

One intriguing veteran option is Russell Wilson. While Wilson still possesses star-level experience and leadership, signing him purely as a backup would likely be unrealistic.

Two more realistic targets stand out for Green Bay: Jimmy Garoppolo and Brett Rypien.

Garoppolo brings significant experience in successful offensive systems. During his time with the San Francisco 49ers, he operated the offense under head coach Kyle Shanahan and helped lead the team to multiple playoff appearances. He later served as a backup to Matthew Stafford under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams.

Garoppolo’s familiarity with modern West Coast concepts could translate well into Green Bay’s offensive structure.

Meanwhile, Brett Rypien represents a more traditional backup option. Although his career has included several team changes, he has started four NFL games and holds a 2–2 record as a starter.

Rypien has thrown four touchdowns and nine interceptions in his career and has not appeared in a regular-season game since facing the Packers while playing for the Rams in 2023. Despite limited success, he has built a reputation as a dependable locker-room presence and could provide depth during training camp.

Another possibility is the return of Taylor Elgersma, who spent time with the Packers organization during the previous offseason.

Late-Round Quarterback Prospects the Packers Could Draft

In addition to free agency, the Packers could address the backup quarterback position through the NFL Draft.

One intriguing late-round prospect is Cole Payton from North Dakota State Bison football. Payton offers a true dual-threat skill set, combining athletic mobility with effective passing production.

In his lone season as the Bison’s starting quarterback, Payton threw for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns while recording only four interceptions. He also added 777 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, demonstrating the kind of versatility that modern NFL offenses value.

Another name to watch is Luke Altmyer from Illinois Fighting Illini football. Altmyer reportedly impressed scouts during the Senior Bowl, an event Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst historically values when evaluating prospects.

Altmyer started three seasons at Illinois and produced his best statistical campaign recently, throwing for 3,007 yards with 22 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He also added five rushing touchdowns, showing he can contribute with both his arm and legs.

Selecting a quarterback in the sixth or seventh round would give Green Bay a developmental option while still maintaining flexibility in the roster.

Packers Have Multiple Paths to Solve Backup QB Situation

For now, Desmond Ridder appears to be the leading in-house candidate to back up Jordan Love. However, the Packers will likely explore every available option before finalizing the depth chart.

Whether through free agency, the NFL Draft, or internal development, Green Bay has several viable paths to securing a dependable backup quarterback.

Given the importance of the position in today’s NFL, ensuring reliable depth behind Jordan Love will remain a key priority for the Packers as they prepare for the upcoming season.