The Green Bay Packers are going to need a new backup quarterback in 2026. Jordan Love, of course, is entrenched as the starter after three solid seasons under center. However, Malik Willis, who backed him up for the last two years, is no longer on the team.
Willis signed a three-year contract with the Miami Dolphins already this off-season, and is poised to be their starter. Meanwhile, Green Bay has Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord on their roster, but are widely believed to be looking for a better option to be Love’s backup.
There have not been many quality free agent options, and those that were intriguing have already signed elsewhere, whether as possible starters or highly-paid backups making more money than the Packers were willing to offer.
Jimmy Garoppolo could be an option for the Green Bay Packers if he does not retire
One name that has been commonly floated as a possible veteran backup quarterback for the Packers is Jimmy Garoppolo. Mainly a career backup, Garoppolo spent the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, but is best known for backing up Tom Brady for two Super Bowl runs with the New England Patriots.
Garoppolo, though, may not be playing in the NFL at all next year:
#Rams free agent QB Jimmy Garoppolo, considered their top option as backup QB, is considering retirement, sources say.
Jimmy G, who has started 64 games during a 12-year career, has made over $156M in all. He is 34 and is mulling a final decision. pic.twitter.com/GqpB5YU3uz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2026
Garoppolo spent six of his 12 NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, but dealt with injuries that only allowed him to be a starter for half of those years. In his career, he has a 67.4% completion percentage, 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns, 52 interceptions, and a 97.6 passer rating.
If he does decide to return for one more year in 2026, there will probably be multiple teams interested in signing him, and the Packers will be one of them.
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