Packers Sign Veteran Quarterback Tyrod Taylor as Backup to Jordan Love

The Green Bay Packers signed veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a contract on Monday, positioning him as the likely backup to starter Jordan Love. The move came shortly after the NFL draft, addressing a need at the position following the departure of Malik Willis to the Miami Dolphins in free agency.

In a corresponding transaction, the Packers released Desmond Ridder, leaving Taylor to compete with Kyle McCord for the backup role. Taylor, 36, spent the last four seasons in New York, splitting time with the Giants and Jets. He started four games for the Jets last season, throwing five touchdowns and five interceptions while the team went 1-3 in those contests.

His addition is seen as critical for the Packers, given that Love has missed multiple games due to injury over the past two seasons.

Taylor enters his 15th NFL season and his seventh team, having previously played for the Ravens, Bills, Browns, Chargers, Texans, Giants, and Jets. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2015 with the Bills, where he started 43 games from 2015 to 2017. Over 100 career games with 62 starts, Taylor has compiled a 29-31-1 record, 13,033 passing yards, 73 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions, plus 2,424 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.

His career has included notable challenges, including a 2020 incident where a team doctor punctured his lung during a pain-killer injection for cracked ribs, leading to him losing a starting opportunity. Taylor described his journey as a 'story of perseverance' in an April interview.

He began his career with the Ravens in 2011, contributing to a Super Bowl win two seasons later behind Joe Flacco.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst emphasized the importance of the backup quarterback position after the draft, noting Love's injury history and the need for a reliable replacement. Coach Matt LaFleur had utilized Willis in a dual-threat role with run-pass-option plays during Love's absences, and the team may employ Taylor similarly if needed.

Green Bay is also reshaping its offense for 2026, having let receivers Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks go this offseason, with expectations for Matthew Golden to take on a larger role.

“I'm excited about the competition in that room and we'll see if we add to it along the way." — Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst, after the draft (ESPN). Separately, the Packers have appointed Jonathan Gannon as their new defensive coordinator. Gannon, who went 15-36 over three years as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, brings head-coaching experience to the role. His hiring follows Green Bay's efforts to bolster its defensive staff.”

Last season, Taylor played in six games for the Jets, starting four after replacing Justin Fields on November 17. He dealt with a groin injury in his third start and missed training camp due to arthroscopic knee surgery. The Jets turned to rookie Brady Cook after Taylor's injury.

For the Packers, Willis had stepped up in Love's absence, earning a starting job with the Dolphins. The team's moves reflect a focus on depth, especially at quarterback, where reliability has been key amid Love's missed time. Taylor's mobility adds value, with the Packers likely to incorporate run-pass options if he plays.

His experience across teams positions him well for the role, as Green Bay aims to build on recent seasons.

The Packers' offseason changes include offensive transformations, with new receivers expected to integrate. Gannon's appointment as defensive coordinator marks another shift, drawing on his prior record in Arizona. Taylor's signing fills a gap left by Willis and Ridder's release, ensuring competition in the quarterback room.

The moves come as the team prepares for the 2026 season, emphasizing perseverance and adaptability.