The Green Bay Packers are heading into the 2026 offseason with one clear starter under center - Jordan Love - and a question mark behind him. With Malik Willis expected to explore free agency in search of a starting opportunity, the Packers are once again in the familiar position of evaluating their depth at quarterback. And if history tells us anything, it’s that Green Bay isn’t afraid to let a little competition sort things out.
The team made a late-season move to bring in Desmond Ridder after Willis went down with an injury ahead of the playoff loss to the Chicago Bears. Ridder, who’s under contract through 2026, will be firmly in the mix to back up Love. He brings starting experience from his time in Atlanta and could provide a steady veteran presence in the QB room - something that’s always valuable in a young offense.
Meanwhile, the Packers are also adding another name to the mix: Kyle McCord. The former Ohio State and Syracuse quarterback has signed a futures deal, setting him up to participate in offseason workouts, OTAs, and training camp.
McCord is still raw, but he’s got the kind of arm talent and pedigree that makes him an intriguing developmental option. Green Bay has a long-standing reputation for taking fliers on young quarterbacks and letting them grow in-house.
This is no different.
In fact, this isn’t new territory for the Packers. Rewind to 2023 - the first year of the post-Aaron Rodgers era - and the team took a similar approach.
With Love stepping into the starting role, the Packers brought in multiple quarterbacks to compete for the backup job. That included Sean Clifford, a fifth-round pick in the draft, and Alex McGough, who was coming off an MVP season in the USFL with the Birmingham Stallions.
McGough’s story in Green Bay was a winding one. He spent most of the 2023 season on the practice squad, then signed a reserve/futures deal heading into 2024.
But it became clear he wasn’t going to stick as a quarterback, so the Packers tried something unconventional - moving him to wide receiver. It was a bold experiment, but one that ultimately didn’t pan out.
McGough suffered an injury and was released with a settlement. He had a brief return to the practice squad in late 2024, but wasn’t 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 it didn’t stick in the NFL, still left a mark on spring football.
During his time with the Birmingham Stallions, McGough threw for over 2,500 yards and 23 touchdowns, won two championships, and took home league MVP honors. That’s no small feat.
His journey serves as a reminder of how unpredictable the quarterback path can be - especially for those trying to carve out a role beyond the NFL spotlight. And for the Packers, it underscores the importance of keeping the pipeline stocked with talent, even if it means taking chances on players from alternative leagues or unproven college prospects.
As Green Bay turns the page to 2026, the QB2 spot is up for grabs. Ridder brings experience.
McCord brings potential. And if the past is any indication, don’t be surprised if a few more names enter the conversation before training camp kicks off.
The Packers love a good quarterback battle - and this offseason looks like it’ll deliver another one.