The Green Bay Packers are preparing for an offseason where they’ll need to address the backup quarterback position, with Malik Willis likely to test free agency. Whereas Jordan Love is firmly established as the starter, the Packers have a long-standing organizational philosophy of proactively developing quarterback talent, even when the position appears set. That approach could lead them to Arkansas’ Taylen Green in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, as a potential developmental project.
General manager Brian Gutekunst has consistently emphasized the importance of continually evaluating and drafting quarterbacks. He stated a desire to return to regularly drafting quarterbacks, a strategy that has been a hallmark of the franchise for decades. This isn’t a new tactic; the Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers while Brett Favre was still a starting-caliber quarterback, and later drafted Jordan Love while Rodgers was at the peak of his career.
The departure of Willis, who has quietly built value over the past two seasons, creates a clear need for a capable backup. Willis appeared in four games in the 2025 season, making one start, and has shown flashes of potential since being acquired from the Tennessee Titans. Spotrac currently projects his market value at $35.5 million annually on a multi-year deal, a price point the Packers are unlikely to match. This sets the stage for Gutekunst to explore options in the draft, focusing on a player with upside rather than a proven veteran.
A Familiar Draft Philosophy
The Packers’ history of quarterback development is deeply ingrained in the organization’s culture. Former general manager Ted Thompson instilled a mindset of always seeking quarterback talent, regardless of the current starter’s status. Jon-Eric Sullivan, now with the Miami Dolphins, who spent two decades with the Packers, explained this philosophy succinctly: “I’ve learned, if you can help it, don’t wait till you don’t have a quarterback to discover one.”
This proactive approach isn’t about anticipating immediate need; it’s about long-term planning and maximizing the potential of the quarterback position. Gutekunst has continued this tradition, exemplified by the selection of Love in 2020, a move that was initially met with skepticism but ultimately positioned the Packers for sustained success at the position.
Taylen Green: A Project with Potential
Taylen Green fits the profile of the type of quarterback the Packers might target in the later rounds of the draft. He is currently projected as a Day 3 pick, with most mock drafts forecasting a sixth- or seventh-round selection. Pro Football Focus and ESPN both currently project him in that range.
What makes Green an intriguing prospect is his athleticism. NFL Next Gen Stats projects him to rank second among all quarterbacks at the NFL Combine in athleticism. At 6’6” and 230 pounds, Green possesses a rare combination of size and mobility, reminiscent of Willis. He’s a dual-threat quarterback capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs.
However, Green is a raw prospect who requires development. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein notes that while Green has the potential to create explosive plays, he also “puts the ball in harm’s way at an alarming rate,” and his ceiling will depend on his growth as a passer. The Packers, with Matt LaFleur’s proven track record of quarterback development, could be well-suited to unlock Green’s potential.
The Value of a Late-Round Gamble
The Packers aren’t looking for a quarterback to step in and start immediately. They’re seeking a player who can learn behind Love, develop his skills, and potentially develop into a valuable backup or even a trade asset down the line. This approach has proven successful in the past, as evidenced by Willis’s development in Green Bay. The team successfully turned a seventh-round pick into a player who will command a significant contract elsewhere.
Green’s skillset aligns with the Packers’ preference for athletic quarterbacks who can extend plays and create opportunities with their legs. While he’s not a polished prospect, his physical tools and potential for growth make him an appealing option in the later rounds of the draft. The Packers’ ability to identify and develop hidden gems has been a key component of their sustained success, and Green could be the next example of that strategy.
The Packers’ continued commitment to drafting quarterbacks, even with a franchise player in place, reflects a long-term vision for the position. It’s a strategy that has served them well throughout their history, and it’s one they’re likely to continue pursuing in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The NFL Combine, scheduled to commence in late February, will provide a crucial opportunity to evaluate Green’s athleticism and potential firsthand. The Packers’ scouting department will be closely watching his performance, along with other quarterback prospects, as they assess their options for the upcoming draft. The team will then have several months of pro days and individual workouts to further evaluate potential candidates before making their final decisions.
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