The Green Bay Packers are heading into the 2026 offseason with a clear mission: find the right quarterback to back up Jordan Love. With Malik Willis expected to test the waters in free agency in pursuit of a starting opportunity-or at least a more open competition-Green Bay’s QB2 spot is officially up for grabs.
Enter Desmond Ridder. The Packers brought him in late last season after Willis went down with an injury just before the team’s playoff loss to the Bears.
Ridder is under contract through the 2026 season, which puts him firmly in the mix to compete for the backup job. He brings starting experience from his time in Atlanta and, while things didn’t pan out there, his athleticism and leadership could make him a valuable insurance policy behind Love.
But Ridder isn’t the only name to watch. The Packers have also signed Kyle McCord to a futures deal, signaling their intent to evaluate him closely during OTAs and training camp.
McCord, a former Ohio State quarterback, has the kind of arm talent and pedigree that make him an intriguing developmental option. He’ll have to prove he can adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game, but Green Bay clearly sees enough potential to give him a shot.
This kind of offseason quarterback shuffle is nothing new for the Packers. After trading Aaron Rodgers to the Jets in 2023 and officially handing the reins to Love, the team brought in multiple quarterbacks to compete for the backup role.
One of those was Sean Clifford, a draft pick who’s still on the roster. Another was Alex McGough, a name that might ring a bell for fans of spring football.
McGough came to Green Bay after lighting up the USFL, where he earned MVP honors and led the Birmingham Stallions to two championships. He spent the 2023 season on the Packers’ practice squad and was re-signed to a reserve/futures deal.
But his path to the 53-man roster hit a roadblock. With limited chances to stick at quarterback, the team tried converting him into a wide receiver-a move that showed how much they valued his athleticism and willingness to adapt.
Unfortunately, an injury derailed that experiment, and after a brief return to the practice squad in late 2024, McGough was not retained for the following season.
Now, McGough is officially stepping away from the game. The former USFL standout is retiring from football, closing the book on a career that, while unconventional, was filled with memorable moments. In the USFL, he threw for over 2,500 yards and 23 touchdowns, carving out a legacy as one of spring football’s brightest stars.
As the Packers look ahead, the focus shifts to who can emerge as Jordan Love’s primary backup. Ridder brings experience.
McCord brings upside. And Clifford, still in the mix, brings continuity.
It’s a three-man race-at least for now-and the battle will play out over the coming months. For a team that knows how important quarterback depth can be, this competition is more than just filling out the depth chart.
It’s about making sure the offense stays on track, no matter who’s under center.