Packers want another Malik Willis, but their plan to find one doesn't make sense

Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) high-fives fans after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

The Green Bay Packers might have a big missing piece from their 2026 roster.

They know that backup QB Malik Willis has departed in free agency for the Miami Dolphins. But it's not obvious they've replaced him.

Yes, they have other quarterbacks under contract behind Jordan Love. Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord have both come aboard, along with undrafted free agent Kyron Drones from Virginia Tech.

But is any of them Willis? Or even close?

Given Love's injury frequency, that's a big question, and potentially a big concern.

"General manager Brian Gutekunst didn't draft a quarterback," ESPN's Rob Demovsky writes in a new article on Monday. "And although he didn't rule out acquiring one at some point before the season, the backup spot behind Jordan Love is far from settled after losing Willis to the Dolphins in free agency. They signed journeyman Desmond Ridder late last season and added free agent Kyle McCord in the offseason. Could one of them do what Willis did and help the Packers win games if Love gets hurt?"

MORE: Diego Pavia, Shedeur Sanders and an NFL QB problem that goes back to Tim Tebow

Demovsky then shared this quote from Gutekunst on the QBs:

"I'm excited about the competition in that room, and we'll see if we add to it along the way. But it's a really important thing for us. Jordan, the last two years has missed some time and we've needed somebody to come in there and play at a high level to help win those games, so whoever's called upon we're going to expect that. And when you lose a guy like Malik, it is something you're going to have to replace, and we're going to try to do that."

The problem here is that the Packers probably could've done more. Neither Ridder nor McCord has proven in their recent pasts that they are even a strong QB2. And then the Packers didn't take a chance on drafting a quarterback, either.

They might find themselves stuck if Love gets hurt, unless there's still another move up Gutekunst's sleeve.

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