Packers Add New Backup QB After Malik Willis Signs With Dolphins

The Green Bay Packers have a lot of new faces around Lambeau Field entering the 2026 season.

Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley both left for new jobs with the Miami Dolphins, as they are now the GM and head coach, respectively.

Quarterback Malik Willis landed a big payday from the Dolphins to be the team's new QB1, and Jonathan Gannon came to town as the new DC after he was fired from the Arizona Cardinals.

With Willis leaving Green Bay, one big hole to fill was finding a suitable QB2 to sit behind Jordan Love.

On Monday, the Packers addressed that by signing Tyrod Taylor, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Right after that, the Packers released former first-round pick Desmond Ridder.

Corresponding move: The Packers are releasing QB Desmond Ridder, per source. https://t.co/8wxTKuR90i

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 4, 2026

Ridder and Kyle McCord were the only other QBs on the Green Bay roster, so there was a bit of a pressing need to add somebody reliable behind Love.

Green Bay did sign Virginia Tech QB Kyron Drones to an UDFA deal, but Taylor should immediately enter as the backup.

Tyrod Taylor Brings a Lot of Experience

Taylor has been in the NFL for a long time, and his career now takes another turn.

Taylor was selected in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He has spent time with each of the Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, New York Giants and New York Jets.

Taylor played in six games in 2025 for the Jets after Justin Fields faded out and the Jets didn't have many other options at QB, and Taylor threw for 779 yards with five touchdowns.

In total, Taylor has played in 100 games with 62 starts, so he is a guy who should be ready to go if something were to happen to Love.

In 2025, Love dealt with an injury, forcing Willis to earn playing time, and the strong play from Willis led to him getting paid in free agency.

So, a couple of weeks after the draft, the Packers have a new backup quarterback in town.

Related: Packers Named Best Fit For Pass Rusher With Jonathan Gannon Ties

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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 11:55 AM.