Having a solid insurance policy is crucial, especially for the backup quarterback role in the NFL.
The Green Bay Packers are about to face uncertainty over the coming weeks as they wait for starting quarterback Jordan Love to recover from a sprained MCL.
Although early signs suggest Love might return sooner rather than later—such as the team not placing him on injured reserve—the Packers are unlikely to rush their $220 million quarterback back into action prematurely. What if Love’s recovery takes longer than expected and backup Malik Willis struggles?
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler explored whether the Packers might consider trading for or signing a veteran quarterback as insurance for Willis.
If Love’s injury extends beyond the anticipated recovery time, Fowler suggested that acquiring veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could be a viable option.
Packers’ Backup QB Choices Are Currently Limited
Fowler pointed out the limited options available for the Packers’ backup quarterback position.
“There aren’t many good choices. Free agent Ryan Tannehill is capable and familiar with the system, but he’s been out since mid-last season,” Fowler noted.
He added, “Blaine Gabbert has past experience with Matt LaFleur from their time in Tennessee in 2018. Otherwise, options are scarce. The Packers could look at practice squads, like Arizona’s Desmond Ridder, but the time to trade for a young quarterback was during the preseason, which they did by acquiring Willis.”
Should Willis struggle and the Packers, who are strong Super Bowl contenders with Love, lose several games, it could be worth considering a move for someone like Garoppolo.
Packers Would Need a Major Concern to Trade for Jimmy Garoppolo
Of course, this scenario depends on Love’s injury taking longer to heal. Knee injuries are not typically rushed, especially when it involves your franchise’s future.
“If Jordan Love’s injury turns out to be long-term, trading for Jimmy Garoppolo from the Rams or Jarrett Stidham from the Broncos might make sense. But for now, the focus is on managing Weeks 2-5 with a strong running game and defense,” Fowler wrote.
If those strategies fail, Garoppolo could be a valuable addition due to his experience. He won two Super Bowls as Tom Brady’s backup with the Patriots and later led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl.
Garoppolo had a challenging 2023 season, starting six games before being benched for rookie Aidan O’Connell. He finished with a 65.1% completion rate, 1,205 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
Released by the Raiders in March 2024, Garoppolo signed a one-year deal with the Rams but will miss the first two games of the 2024 season due to a performance-enhancing drug policy violation.
For now, the Packers will likely continue with Willis.
“It’s worth noting that Willis performed well enough in the preseason that the Titans considered keeping three quarterbacks,” Fowler added. “He’s showing significant improvement over his rookie year.”
Ideally, Love will recover quickly and Willis will perform effectively. But after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, the Packers can’t afford many more defeats. The situation will be closely monitored.