The Green Bay Packers find themselves in a tight spot, needing to fill the void left by Malik Willis, who blossomed into one of the league's top backup quarterbacks before heading to the Miami Dolphins via free agency. Now, the Packers face the challenge of finding his successor.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst has some intriguing options on the table. The Packers could look to the draft, eyeing potential talent to develop behind their starter.
There's also the possibility of pursuing a trade for a former first-round pick like Anthony Richardson. And then there's Kirk Cousins, the seasoned veteran still available in free agency.
Gutekunst addressed the Cousins question at the NFL Annual Meeting, acknowledging the discussions but leaving the door wide open.
"It's a guy who's got a lot of pelts on the wall in this league," Gutekunst noted. His words reflect a thoughtful consideration of Cousins' extensive experience-167 career starts, nearly 45,000 passing yards, and close to 300 touchdowns. Last season, Cousins showed he still has game, posting a 5-3 record with the Falcons, along with solid passing stats.
Yet, Cousins comes with his own set of challenges. He's not the mobile threat Willis was, and his ability to scramble has diminished since a significant Achilles injury in 2024. With only seven rushing yards since then, Cousins is far from a dual-threat option.
Financially, Cousins might not come cheap, even in a backup role. This adds another layer to Gutekunst's decision-making process, as he weighs all possibilities-free agency, the draft, and potential trades.
For now, the Packers' QB2 spot remains an open question. Gutekunst's strategic approach ensures that all options are considered, keeping Cousins in the mix as the offseason unfolds.