Green Bay Packers Seek Backup Quarterback Clarity Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and the Green Bay Packers find themselves in a familiar predicament: they lack a clear backup plan behind starting quarterback Jordan Love. The recent departure of Malik Willis to the Miami Dolphins has created a void in the roster that the team's front office has not yet addressed. With the draft looming, the trade market offers a low-cost and practical solution to this pressing issue.
Will Levis Emerges as a Realistic Option for the Packers
Names are already circulating in NFL circles, and one quarterback stands out for both fit and affordability: Will Levis. As noted by ESPN's Adam Schefter, potential trade targets include Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., Titans quarterback Will Levis, and Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler, placing Levis firmly in the draft-week conversation.
There is a compelling reason for this interest. Levis possesses traits that Green Bay values highly. Over two seasons with the Tennessee Titans, he has started 21 games, accumulating 3,899 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. While his win-loss record may not be impressive, context is crucial. Tennessee has already shifted its direction by selecting Cam Ward first overall, making Levis expendable and available for trade.
For the Packers, the appeal of Levis is straightforward. His contract is highly manageable, with a cap hit of just over $2 million in 2026. The acquisition cost is expected to be modest, likely requiring only a late Day 3 draft pick. Green Bay holds multiple selections in that range, making it easy to structure a deal without disrupting their overall draft strategy. In a quarterback room led by Love, Levis offers valuable experience and arm talent without any long-term commitment.
Anthony Richardson: A More Complex Alternative
The alternative option, Anthony Richardson, presents a more complex scenario. Richardson brings a different profile, with higher athletic upside, particularly as a runner, and the pedigree of a first-round pick. The Packers have been loosely linked to him this offseason, indicating at least some level of interest.
However, the numbers complicate this path. Richardson's contract includes a potential fifth-year option that would cost nearly $22.5 million if exercised. Even without that decision, his cap hit is significantly higher than Levis's. Combined with an uneven track record and injury concerns, the financial risk becomes harder to justify for a backup role.
Green Bay also has Desmond Ridder on the roster, a player with starting experience but a more limited physical ceiling. The key question now is whether the team is comfortable staying internal or prefers to pursue a higher-upside insurance policy through a trade.
Timing and Practicality Favor Levis for the Packers
The timing of this decision is critical. With the 2026 NFL Draft set to begin, such moves often happen quickly. For the Packers, Will Levis feels like the cleaner and more practical solution. He may not be perfect, but his affordability and experience make him an ideal fit for a contender seeking reliable depth behind its starter. In the high-stakes world of the NFL, practicality can sometimes be exactly what a team needs to solidify its roster for the upcoming season.
