The Green Bay Packers have made a savvy move to solidify their quarterback depth, signing veteran signal-caller Tyrod Taylor to back up rising star Jordan Love. As confirmed by CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones, the former Pro Bowler brings a wealth of experience to the Packers' locker room—a smart play for any team eyeing a deep playoff run.
Taylor, who turns 37 this August, has carved out an impressive 16-year NFL career since being selected in the sixth round of the 2011 draft. While he's mostly served as a reliable backup, his resume shines with a three-year stint as the Buffalo Bills' starter and a 2015 Pro Bowl nod. The Packers will be his eighth team, a testament to his durability and value across the league.
Before heading to Green Bay, Taylor spent the last four seasons in New York—two with the Giants and two with the Jets. He went 2-3 as the Giants' starter in 2023 and 1-3 with the Jets in 2025, proving he can step up when called upon. For a team like the Packers, having a steady hand behind Love is crucial, especially with the high stakes of the NFC North.
Taylor wasn't the only backup to find a new home this week. Skylar Thompson, who spent 2025 in Pittsburgh, is reportedly set to compete for the backup job behind Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. This flurry of activity signals a growing trend: teams are prioritizing experienced insurance policies under center.
With that in mind, let's rank the best available backup quarterbacks still on the market. At the top of the list? Aaron Rodgers—though his situation is unique. Rodgers still wants to start, and the Steelers want him as their QB1. But if he remains unsigned past July 22 (when Pittsburgh's unrestricted free agent tender expires), another team could swoop in if a starter goes down. It's a waiting game that could shake up the league.
Another name to watch is Desmond Ridder, who was reportedly released by the Packers after Taylor's signing. At just 26, Ridder has already bounced to seven teams in five years, but his talent is undeniable. A third-round pick by the Falcons in 2022, he led Cincinnati to an undefeated regular season and a College Football Playoff berth in 2021. In the NFL, he went 6-7 as Atlanta's starter in 2024 and started one game for the Raiders that same year. For a team needing a young, athletic backup, Ridder could be a steal.
Whether you're stocking up for game day or just love the storylines, the backup quarterback market is heating up—and it's the perfect reminder that depth wins championships.