The Green Bay Packers ideally wouldn’t be dealing with quarterback concerns so early in the season, but circumstances have forced their hand.
Jordan Love’s injury in Week 1 is a nightmare scenario for the Packers. They had just invested $220 million in him this summer, betting on him to be the franchise’s future, but they didn’t secure a solid backup.
Before the season began, 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 short career. With Love expected to miss three to six weeks due to an MCL sprain, Willis is set to be the starting quarterback, according to head coach Matt LaFleur. However, it would be unwise for the Packers not to explore other possibilities.
Cody Williams of FanSided suggested that the Packers consider trading fifth-round picks in 2025 and 2026 to the Cleveland Browns for Jameis Winston and a 2025 sixth-round pick. Williams argues that Winston would be an ideal temporary solution. He could seamlessly manage the offense, keep the team competitive, and prevent any quarterback controversies once Love returns.
Winston, with his extensive starting experience, far surpasses Willis in terms of proven capability. He’s been a top pick, a long-term starter, and has shown he can step in effectively when needed. In 2021, he led the New Orleans Saints to a 5-2 record before being injured. He also took over in 2022 when Andy Dalton was hurt, though the Saints missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Even if acquiring Winston might be too rushed, the Packers need to seriously explore trade options to salvage their season. Whether it’s Winston, Josh Dobbs, or another unexpected choice, they must find a more experienced alternative to avoid derailing their championship aspirations.
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