Good morning, football fans!
As we gear up for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the buzz is building, and the Green Bay Packers have plenty on their plate. While the spotlight will soon shine on the cornerbacks and defensive linemen, there's more happening behind the scenes that could shape the Packers' offseason strategy.
Let's dive into the details. The Packers have some critical decisions to make, particularly concerning their soon-to-be free agents.
One name drawing attention is backup quarterback Malik Willis. With his rookie contract set to expire in March, the Packers are weighing their options.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst expressed a desire to keep Willis in Green Bay, but he acknowledged the reality of the situation. "We’d love to have Malik back," Gutekunst said. "But realistically, he’s going to have opportunities to play more elsewhere."
Willis' limited starts over four seasons might restrict him to a short-term deal with another team, but with the quarterback market looking a bit thin after top prospect Fernando Mendoza, Willis could attract more interest than expected. If he lands a significant contract, the Packers might benefit from a compensatory pick down the line.
Regardless, the Packers need a plan to replace Willis. Desmond Ridder, who joined late last season, could be in the mix, but Green Bay might explore other options. Gutekunst has hinted at preferring a Day 3 draft pick to develop a young quarterback.
Anthony Richardson is a name that’s been floated as a potential project. Despite his previous struggles, his physical talents are intriguing. However, his $5.4 million guaranteed salary this season makes him a costly option for the Packers.
Other veteran free agents like Kirk Cousins, Marcus Mariota, Tyrod Taylor, and Russell Wilson might not fit the Packers' budget or plans either. The focus might instead be on finding a low-cost rookie with potential upside.
The Leap is known for its "Hunting for Hasselbecks" series, pinpointing late-round quarterbacks who could fit the Packers' mold. Past predictions have been spot on, and this year's list will be no different. However, with many quarterbacks skipping combine workouts, the final list might have to wait until pro days.
Some prospects are already off the board due to size and performance metrics. For instance, Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia doesn't meet the Packers' historical draft criteria based on his measurements.
There's still a pool of talent to consider, and as the offseason unfolds, the Packers will be strategic in their approach. Stay tuned for more insights as we continue to track Green Bay's moves.