Green Bay Readying for Life After Rodgers

Wesley Johnson

May 6, 2021

Mark Murphy, left, is introduced as the new Green Bay Packers president and chief executive officer by Packers Chairman of the Board Bob Harlan during a news conference Monday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Murphy New Packers President

News broke this morning that the Packers have begun exploring quarterback options they can add to their roster for off-season team activities and training camp.

Packers have begun exploring QBs they can add to their roster for OTAs and training camp, per sources. Jordan Love currently is the only other quarterback on the roster, but the team also faces uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers. Packers’ QB search includes some veterans.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 6, 2021

As they gear up for what will most likely be a messy divorce, they also need to gear up for the potential of beginning the season without Rodgers. For now, outside of Rodgers, they do not have a quarterback that has taken a professional snap from under center on the roster. 2020 first-round pick, Jordan Love, was relegated to clipboard duty his entire rookie season. Adding a veteran signal-caller with experience in navigating the ups and downs of an NFL season is suddenly a must.

The Free Agent Market

There aren’t many names on the free-agent market that inspire long-term sustained success, but there are some with enough pedigree to carry the torch until Love is ready. There are established arms like Matt Moore, Brian Hoyer, Robert Griffin III, and Matt Barkley available. If the Packers are looking for younger options, Nick Mullins, Blake Bortles, or former Packer and fan-favorite Brett Hundley would be options.

“Free agents currently available include Brian Hoyer, Matt Barkley, Nick Mullens, Blake Bortles and Robert Griffin III”. ???? https://t.co/IqHBTRlZPP
— Brian Gorman (@BrianGorman_IL) May 6, 2021

QB Via Trade

The other option the Packers have is by trading for a quarterback. Teams that recently drafted a quarterback sometimes have a surplus at the position after the draft. Jarrett Stidham from New England could be available after the team drafted Mac Jones. Similarly, Gardner Minshew or CJ Beathard from Jacksonville could also be available after Trevor Lawrence was selected number 1 overall. The Washington Football Team could also look to move Kyle Allen with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Taylor Heinicke firmly cemented as 1/2 on the depth chart. If the Packers are in search of a more seasoned veteran, the Bears would be all too happy to move on from Nick Foles.

The easy answer is trade Day 3 pick in 2022 for Gardner Minshew. https://t.co/MYccUCyqjH
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) May 6, 2021

The Path Ahead

Although underwhelming, the options above do offer a potential bridge until Jordan Love is ready to take over under center. Head coach Matt LaFleur may very well believe that Love is ready now to lead the Packers to the top of the division. Seeking out a veteran arm to continue teaching the nuances would then be at the top of his list. Whichever direction Green Bay heads, I’d anticipate a rocky summer moving forward.