As anticipated, the Green Bay Packers decided not to bring back 26-year-old quarterback Malik Willis during free agency. After showing promise in the 2025-26 season, Willis secured a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins last Thursday.
With Willis moving on, the Packers now face the crucial task of finding a dependable No. 2 QB to bolster their roster for the upcoming 2026-27 season. ESPN's Bill Barnwell has suggested that a seasoned four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, recently released by the Atlanta Hawks, could be an ideal fit for Green Bay.
"The Packers need a backup quarterback after losing Malik Willis to the Dolphins in free agency," Barnwell noted last Friday. "Under Matt LaFleur, they run play-action at one of the highest rates in the league."
Considering Jordan Love's history of missing two games due to injury in each of the past two seasons, it's vital for the Packers to have a backup they can trust if Love is sidelined. While LaFleur might explore finding value with another prospect, similar to their previous acquisition of Willis, Cousins emerges as a solid choice to support Love in 2026.
Cousins stands out as one of the best low-risk backup options available. With 174 NFL games under his belt, the Michigan State alum is a proven quarterback who still has something to offer. Though his career has been on a downward trajectory, it's worth noting that just four seasons ago, Cousins posted impressive numbers with the Minnesota Vikings: 4,221 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions over 16 games.
While Love isn't particularly injury-prone, adding Cousins would provide Green Bay with a seasoned 37-year-old quarterback who could step in effectively if Love encounters any setbacks.