The Green Bay Packers would prefer not to be dealing with quarterback issues so early in the season, but they’re in a tough spot.
Jordan Love’s injury in Week 1 has been a worst-case scenario.
The Packers recently signed Love to a $220 million contract to be their franchise quarterback but didn’t secure a strong backup.
Just before the season started, Green Bay traded a seventh-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for Malik Willis, a third-year quarterback who has yet to throw a touchdown in his career. With Love’s MCL sprain expected to sideline him for three to six weeks, Willis is set to start, according to head coach Matt LaFleur. However, it would be wise for the Packers to explore other options.
On Tuesday, Cody Williams of FanSided suggested the Packers could trade fifth-round picks in 2025 and 2026 to the Cleveland Browns for quarterback Jameis Winston and a 2025 sixth-round pick. Williams argued that Winston could step in, manage a basic offense, and keep the team competitive without creating a quarterback controversy when Love returns.
Winston, who is 30, has significantly more starting experience than Willis. He was the first overall pick and has been a long-term starter as well as a capable replacement when needed. In 2021, he led the New Orleans Saints to a 5-2 record before getting injured. He also went 1-2 in 2022 after stepping in for an injured Andy Dalton on a Saints team that missed the playoffs.
Even if a trade isn’t feasible this week, the Packers should consider the trade market to salvage their season. There must be a more qualified option available, whether it’s Winston, Josh Dobbs, or another potential candidate, to prevent a six-week stint with Willis from derailing their championship aspirations.
