Plan B is already in place at quarterback for the Packers, and he has earned the right to compete behind Jordan Love
Desmond Ridder is already under contract for 2026.
The Green Bay Packers know they are likely to lose backup quarterback Malik Willis. After two seasons with stability behind Jordan Love, general manager Brian Gutekunst will have to consider his options once again.
Nevertheless, the front office already has a creative alternative plan. When the Packers promoted Desmond Ridder from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of the playoffs to replace Clayton Tune, the Packers gave Ridder a deal through 2026, via Over The Cap.
Ridder would have been a restricted free agent. Instead, the Packers secure him for another year, and the quarterback is now set to make $1.145 million in base salary. Considering talent level and price, it’s a reasonable solution for Green Bay.
Similar process to address the backup QB position
Ridder and Willis were drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Ridder actually had much more playing time and experience with his original team, the Atlanta Falcons, than Willis had with the Tennessee Titans — and Ridder was also better.
In two seasons, Ridder started 17 games for the Falcons, with an 86.4 passer rating in 2022 and 83.4 in 2023. In 2023, he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for Rondale Moore after the Falcons had signed Kirk Cousins.
Since then, Ridder has had nearly no playing time — just one start for the Las Vegas Raiders. He’s also spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings before signing with the Packers on Dec. 31. Throughout his NFL career, Ridder has had a 3.2% big-time throw rate and a 4.6 turnover-worthy play rate.
Desmond Ridder tape breakdown for Packers potential QB2
As a former third-round pick, Ridder clearly has the talent to be a viable backup quarterback in the NFL.
The good
Arm strength
Willis is more physically gifted, but Ridder has a good enough arm to play in the NFL. If you compare him to Clayton Tune or a replacement-level quarterback, you can see why he was a mid-round pick.
Arm talent/platform versatility
It’s not only arm strength, though. Ridder has the arm talent to throw from different angles, on the move, and other plays will also show his touch.
Athletic ability
In 2023, Ridder started 13 games for the Falcons. In that season, he had 53 rushing attempts for 193 yards and five touchdowns. Again, Willis’ ability to run is hard to replicate, but Ridder has a lot of athleticism to create plays with his legs.
The bad
Decision-making
It’s not a coincidence that Ridder has a high turnover-worthy play rate, though. The quarterback has a tendency to pull unnecessary triggers during a game, and that’s something Matt LaFleur will have to work around if he needs to play.
Lack of ability to read defenses
This was a big problem for Willis, too, and it’s something that can be developed. But disguised coverages can frequently get Ridder — and this is somewhat natural and usual for young quarterbacks.
Ridder is far from perfect, and he hasn’t done enough to be given the backup quarterback spot. However, his physical ability with the arm and legs makes him an intriguing option to at least compete for the job.
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