The Green Bay Packers are heading into a pivotal offseason, and there’s no sugarcoating it - how they navigate the next few months will go a long way in determining whether 2026 is a bounce-back year or another missed opportunity. After a promising 9-3-1 start in 2025, Green Bay’s season unraveled with a five-game losing streak that knocked them out of playoff contention. Now, with key players like Micah Parsons and Tucker Kraft expected back at full strength, the pieces are there for a resurgence - but only if the front office can patch the right holes.
That responsibility falls squarely on general manager Brian Gutekunst, who recently inked an extension but now faces a tricky offseason balancing act. The blockbuster move to bring in Parsons cost the Packers two draft picks, which tightens the margin for error in both free agency and the draft. And while the spotlight will naturally fall on filling starting roles, one of the more under-the-radar storylines could be just as important: finding a reliable backup quarterback.
With Malik Willis expected to hit free agency, the Packers are left with a depth chart behind Jordan Love that’s more question mark than answer. Desmond Ridder is the current favorite to step into the QB2 role, but his inconsistent run with the Falcons doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. Then there’s Kyle McCord, signed to a futures deal last month, but he’s still waiting to take his first NFL snap after a forgettable preseason stint with the Eagles.
On Monday, Green Bay watched one potential option slip away when Jake Haener agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, let’s be clear - Haener wasn’t going to be a game-changer.
He played in eight games and started once for the Saints in 2024, completing just 18 of 39 passes for 226 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He also missed six games in 2023 due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy and was released before the 2025 season even began.
Still, the Packers’ current situation is thin enough that even someone like Haener could’ve added value as another arm in the room. The need isn’t necessarily for a future starter - it’s for a steady hand who can step in if Love misses time.
And that’s not a hypothetical concern. Love has dealt with injuries in back-to-back seasons, including a concussion that sidelined him for two games late last year.
While Willis filled in admirably, the Packers can’t afford to roll the dice on depth in a division as competitive as the NFC North. One missed game - or one ill-timed injury - could be the difference between hosting a playoff game and watching from the couch.
So what’s next? The most likely scenario is that Green Bay addresses the backup quarterback spot during free agency or in April’s draft.
But the clock is ticking. The Packers don’t just need bodies - they need someone who can step in and keep the offense afloat if Love goes down.
That’s a tall order, especially with limited draft capital, but it’s not optional.
The Packers have a roster that, when healthy, can absolutely compete. But as we’ve seen time and again in this league, depth at quarterback isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. And in Green Bay, it’s a storyline that could quietly shape the entire 2026 season.