The Green Bay Packers aren’t waiting around to see how the Malik Willis situation plays out - they’re already laying the groundwork for what’s next in their quarterback room.
With Willis expected to test free agency in March, likely in pursuit of a starting opportunity after flashing real potential in relief of Jordan Love, Green Bay is quietly reshaping its depth chart behind QB1. And after promoting Desmond Ridder to the active roster earlier this month, the Packers just added another intriguing name to the mix: Kyle McCord, signed to a futures contract.
Let’s be clear - neither Ridder nor McCord is a finished product. But considering the uncertainty surrounding Willis’ future, the Packers’ backup quarterback situation is trending in a promising direction.
Malik Willis’ Resurgence Could Lead Him Elsewhere
When Willis arrived in Green Bay, he was looking to reboot a career that had stalled after two rocky seasons in Tennessee. Drafted 86th overall in 2022, he never quite found his footing with the Titans.
But in Green Bay, he’s turned heads. In three appearances, he’s gone 2-1, throwing for 972 yards and six touchdowns without a single interception.
That kind of production, in limited action, has likely earned him another shot - this time as a potential starter - somewhere else.
So while it’s unlikely Willis returns, the Packers have already shown they can help a young quarterback rediscover his rhythm. That’s a good sign for the next two names in line.
Ridder Brings Experience - and a Second Chance
Desmond Ridder, another 2022 draft pick, comes to Green Bay with more starting experience than most backup QBs. He’s logged 18 starts across 25 games, totaling over 4,000 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. It’s been a mixed bag, no doubt - flashes of promise offset by inconsistency and turnovers.
But the Packers have already seen what Ridder can do up close. Back in 2023, when he was still with Atlanta, Ridder led the Falcons to a narrow 25-24 win over Green Bay.
He completed 19-of-32 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown, added 39 rushing yards and another score on the ground. It wasn’t a flawless performance, but it was enough to put him on the Packers’ radar.
Now, the question is whether a change of scenery - and a coaching staff that just helped Willis turn things around - can do the same for Ridder. The tools are there. It’s about rebuilding confidence and cutting down on the mistakes that have held him back.
Kyle McCord: A High-Ceiling Project
Then there’s Kyle McCord, who brings a different kind of intrigue. The 23-year-old led the NCAA in completions (391) and passing yards (4,779) in 2024 - eye-popping numbers that speak to his arm talent and command in a high-volume offense. Things didn’t click with the Eagles after they took him in the fifth round in 2025, but the raw ability is hard to ignore.
At two years younger than Willis was when he arrived in Green Bay, McCord enters a situation where he won’t be asked to do too much too soon. And that’s key. With Love entrenched as the starter and Ridder offering experience, McCord has time to develop without the pressure of immediate expectations.
If Green Bay can help him grow the way they did with Willis, they might just find themselves with a long-term answer at the backup spot - or even a trade asset down the line.
A Rebuilt QB Room with Real Upside
The Packers are quietly assembling a quarterback room that’s deeper and more dynamic than it might appear on the surface. With Willis likely moving on, Ridder and McCord represent two very different - but equally compelling - developmental projects. And given how Green Bay helped Willis bounce back, there’s reason to believe at least one of these guys could follow a similar path.
For a team that’s all-in on Jordan Love but knows the importance of having a capable QB2, this is a smart, forward-thinking approach. It’s not about finding the next franchise quarterback - it’s about making sure the next man up is ready, capable, and confident.
If history repeats itself, the Packers could once again turn a castoff into a contributor. And in today’s NFL, where quarterback depth is more valuable than ever, that’s a win worth chasing.