New Green Bay Packers quarterback Tyrod Taylor checks many of the boxes Malik Willis did in his two-year stint as Jordan Love's backup. Even at 37 years old this August, Taylor is an athletic threat with his legs outside the pocket. He offers a bounty of veteran experience from his 15 years in the league.
His arrival also puts any lingering Anthony Richardson speculation to rest as far as it concerns the Packers.Â
Earlier in the offseason, the Colts' former No. 4 over all draft pick emerged a top potential trade target. The Packers' roster lacked a clear Willis replacement. Richardson is an athlete a level above either Willis or Taylor. The problem has always been his accuracy and ability to read the field as a passer.Â
Despite his appeal as a reclamation project, a deal didn't get done. Now that Packers have their man, cross Richardson off the wish list.
Tyrod Taylor signing signals Packers have moved on from Anthony Richardson
Green Bay evidently had enough confidence in Taylor to justify cutting Desmond Ridder to open up a spot in the quarterback room. Alongside Taylor, the Packers also have former Syracuse standout Kyle McCord and 2026 undrafted free agent Kyron Drones jostling for a roster spot.Â
The pecking order is already apparent. The two youngsters will compete for the title of QB3, to be called upon in case of emergency. The backup job is Taylor's, which the team made clear enough by ditching Ridder, who has 25 games of NFL experience and figured to be Taylor's top rival.
What can the Packers expect out of Taylor after being spoiled by Willis? Last season for the Jets, Taylor completed 59.7% of his passes in six games. He threw for 779 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed 27 times for 143 yards. The team brought him in for his wheels and experience, not his ability in the pocket.
Although Taylor hasn't held a starting job for nearly a decade, he offers more stability than Richardson. The upside isn't there, of course. If someone was going to provide a spark like Willis, it would be the one-time top four pick.Â
But trading for Richardson would mean giving up assets, likely in the form of a future Day 3 draft pick. For a draft bust on an expiring contract, giving up almost anything at all would feel like an overpay. To acquire Taylor's services, the Packers had only to pay his salary.
They aren't the only ones to pass on Richardson. Despite his trade request, he remains in Indianapolis. He hasn't been released. On Monday, Richardson reported to voluntary camp after a two-week holdout. He might just be stuck with the Colts this season.Â
In Taylor, the Packers get a quarterback who has been around the league, seen a lot of defensive schemes, and made 62 career starts. Given the roster's limited internal options and a sparse free-agent pool, grabbing him as a stopgap makes sense.Â
Some of the other free agents: Russell Wilson, Cooper Rusher, Brett Rypien. … Yeah, the Taylor signing sounds just fine.Â
Add us as a preferred source on Google