Pundits continue to link the Green Bay Packers to other potential backup quarterback options this offseason. That makes sense given the lack of experience or upside behind Jordan Love in the team’s quarterback room. But the Packers already have a signal-caller in Kyle McCord trying to become the next Malik Willis.
The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman reported Friday that McCord was one of 13 roster players participating in rookie minicamp from May 1-2. The Packers signed the 2025 sixth-round pick to a futures deal in January.
At rookie minicamp, McCord described the fit in Green Bay and what he wants to provide the team.
“I think Malik definitely set the blueprint of what to do and how to make the most out of that opportunity,” McCord said, via Schneidman. “When I had the chance to sign here, it was really a no-brainer in my mind.”
Schneidman also added in his rookie minicamp observations article Saturday that McCord said he was drawn to Green Bay because of the team’s head coach Matt LaFleur.
“McCord also called LaFleur a ‘QB guru’ and said the head coach’s track record played a significant role in his decision to sign with the Packers,” wrote Schneidman.
Packers Backup QB Competition Between Kyle McCord, Desmond Ridder
Pundits have argued Green Bay as an intriguing destination for quarterbacks such as Anthony Richardson this offseason. So, it’s not surprising that signal-callers themselves feel the same way about playing for LaFleur and the Packers.
Malik Willis played really well as Green Bay’s backup in a handful of appearances during 2025. It has rectified the quarterback’s career, as Willis signed a 3-year, $67.5 million contract with the Miami Dolphins this offseason.
In four games last winter, Willis completed 30 of 35 passes for 422 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also had 123 rushing yards with two scores on the ground.
Willis had most of that production in six quarters.
Clearly, McCord sees himself as the next Packers backup to experience success.
McCord played at Ohio State and Syracuse during his college career. As Syracuse’s starter during 2024, he completed 66% of his passes for 4,779 yards. He also had 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted McCord at No. 181 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Could Packers Add Another Backup QB?
McCord and former 2022 third-rounder Desmond Ridder will compete for the Packers backup quarterback role behind Love.
Ridder is 8-10 as a starter in his NFL career. He has completed 63.6% of his passes for 4,002 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
But Ridder hasn’t played in the NFL regular season since 2024. Meanwhile, McCord has yet to make his league debut in the regular season.
Due to that lack of experience, pundits aren’t convinced the Packers won’t add another quarterback this summer.
Analysts have continuously linked Green Bay to Richardson, who is pursuing a trade from the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. Pundits have floated other free agent possibilities such as Tyrod Taylor and even Russell Wilson.
Whether the Packers execute a Richardson trade or sign another veteran signal-caller likely greatly depends on how McCord and Ridder look in offseason workouts.
The Packers also have quarterback Kyron Drones on their roster. Drones is an undrafted free agent this offseason.
Green Bay will hold its next round of offseason workouts from May 26-27 and 29. The Packers mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 9-11.
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