Could the Green Bay Packers Target Russell Wilson as Their Next Backup Quarterback in 2026?

As the 2026 NFL offseason unfolds, the Green Bay Packers have been surprisingly subdued in the free agent market. Aside from the addition of former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, Green Bay has made few headline-grabbing moves. With the draft on the horizon and roster evaluation ongoing, many questions remain about where General Manager Brian Gutekunst will focus his efforts to strengthen the roster.

Despite the limited activity so far, the Packers still have key roster needs that must be addressed before training camp. Among them, one of the most important is securing a reliable backup quarterback behind Jordan Love — a position that has suddenly taken on added significance following the departure of Malik Willis.

Replacing Malik Willis: A New Backup QB Priority

Over the past two seasons, Malik Willis has been one of the most dependable backup quarterbacks in the league. His ability to step in and perform at a high level earned him a lucrative three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Miami Dolphins in free agency. That departure leaves a void in Green Bay’s quarterback room — one that Gutekunst and the front office must fill with a steady, experienced, and trustworthy option.

Willis wasn’t just a placeholder — he showed elite readiness when called upon, blending rushing ability with improving pocket presence and timely decision-making. In today’s NFL, investing in a quality backup isn’t just a luxury — it’s virtually a necessity for teams with playoff aspirations.

A Surprising Name Enters the Conversation: Russell Wilson

Recently, Sports Illustrated’s Eva Geitheim explored potential fits for the remaining free agent quarterbacks available in 2026. Among those names, one stood out as a potential target for the Packers: Russell Wilson.

Wilson is far from a conventional fit for Green Bay’s plans, but Geitheim listed him as a logical option due to his experience and potential value as a high-level reserve:

“After Russell Wilson struggled last season and was swiftly benched for Jaxson Dart, he makes the most sense as a backup,” wrote Geitheim. “The Packers, Jets and Browns are all teams that could potentially prefer an experienced backup in Wilson.”

Though he might not have been on many fans’ wish lists for the offseason, Wilson represents a serious veteran presence who could stabilize the quarterback room and offer a safety net that the Packers cannot overlook.

Evaluating Russell Wilson’s Recent Performance

At 37 years old, Wilson is no longer the dynamic dual-threat he was in his prime — but he isn’t washed up either. Over the past two seasons, he has shown flashes of the quarterback who once led the Seattle Seahawks to the playoffs year after year.

In the 2025 season with the New York Giants, Wilson appeared in six games. He threw for 831 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions, completing 58% of his passes. While these numbers weren’t Pro Bowl material, they demonstrated that he could still manage an offense and make plays when needed.

Before that, in 2024 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson completed 63.7% of his passes for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only five interceptions across 11 games. He also contributed as a runner, adding 155 yards and two touchdowns on the ground — evidence that his athleticism hasn’t entirely faded.

These recent performances, while not elite, reflect a seasoned quarterback who understands game management, leadership, and situational football — traits that matter immensely from a backup standpoint.

Why the Packers Can’t Afford an Unproven Option

In both of the last two seasons, the Packers found themselves forced into action with Malik Willis due to injuries suffered by Jordan Love. That experience — while ultimately manageable — underscored the importance of not leaving the second-string job to chance.

With Love’s extension and Green Bay’s sights set on playoff contention, relying on a raw or unproven backup could jeopardize the progress the franchise aims to achieve. In an era where quarterback play is the foundation of championship-caliber teams, experience matters.

The Case for Russell Wilson in Green Bay

While Wilson may not be the flashiest or most talked-about quarterback available, there are several reasons why he could be a worthwhile signing for the Packers:

1. Veteran Leadership and Experience

Wilson’s career — including a Super Bowl appearance and numerous playoff runs — brings invaluable experience to a locker room led by younger stars. That kind of presence can be particularly valuable for a team with championship aspirations.

2. One-Year Flexibility

Signing Wilson doesn’t need to be a long-term commitment. Green Bay could pursue a short-term, team-friendly deal that allows Wilson to mentor younger quarterbacks and provide depth without long-term financial risk.

3. A Reliable Emergency Option

Given his track record and recent performance, Wilson presents a safer fallback candidate than many lesser-known backups. In a pinch, he offers a much higher floor than an untested third-stringer or practice squad promotion.

4. Stable Backups Are Underappreciated but Critical

In today’s NFL, the backup quarterback role is no longer ceremonial. Teams need players who can step in at a moment’s notice and run the offense effectively. Wilson fits that mold better than most free agents still available in 2026.

Potential Concerns and Counterarguments

Of course, signing Wilson isn’t without potential drawbacks. Critics might point to:

• Age and decline concerns: At 37, Wilson’s best years are behind him.

• Recent struggles: His brief stint with the Giants wasn’t dominant.

• Expectations misalignment: Wilson might still want starter-level opportunities.

Yet, when viewed through the lens of what the Packers truly need — stability, leadership, experience, and competence — he remains a logical target.

Final Thoughts: Should the Packers Pull the Trigger?

Ultimately, it’s not an easy decision. But the numbers and circumstances suggest that Russell Wilson would be a fitting addition to the Packers’ roster as a backup quarterback behind Jordan Love. He bridges the gap between inexperienced backups and costly starters while offering proven leadership and game-day readiness.

In a division where every win counts and injuries can derail seasons, adding a seasoned veteran like Wilson could be the difference-maker that keeps Green Bay competitive throughout the 2026 campaign.

Only time will tell if Gutekunst makes this move — but among the remaining options on the free agent market, Wilson deserves serious consideration.