Packers: Tyrod Taylor signing likely locks in QB hierarchy for 2026

Barring an injury, or an unforeseen opportunity to add an upgrade following training camp, the Green Bay Packers appear to have finally settled their quarterback room into the three distinct tiers after Monday's signing of veteran Tyrod Taylor. Jordan Love is the starter. Taylor is the backup.

And Kyle McCord and rookie Kyron Drones will now compete to be the developmental third quarterback likely stashed on the practice squad. The preferred hierarchy is in place. Signing Taylor and releasing Desmond Ridder added much needed clarity to the backup situation behind Love in a post-Malik Willis era.

Out is Ridder, who ended last season on the 53-man roster, and in is Taylor, who is entering Year 16 in the NFL after spending the better part of the last decade as a journeyman backup quarterback. Unless Taylor is injured at some point this summer, he will go into Week 1 of 2026 as Love's backup -- giving the Packers a highly experienced No. 2 option who was a starter and has won games as a backup.

While now 36 years old and not nearly as mobile or dangerous with his legs as Willis, Taylor is no statue at quarterback (20 career rushing touchdowns, once ran 4. 51), and he's generally protected the football, throwing only 34 career interceptions over 100 career games and 62 starts. Taylor has had recent success as a backup, too.