Packers sign QB Tyrod Taylor and release Desmond Ridder

TL;DR

The Green Bay Packers have signed quarterback Tyrod Taylor to back up Jordan Love, releasing Desmond Ridder in the process. Taylor, entering his 16th NFL season, has previously played for multiple teams including the Jets and Bills.

Key points

Tyrod Taylor signed with the Green Bay Packers
Desmond Ridder was released by the Packers
Taylor has 15 years of NFL experience
Taylor will back up quarterback Jordan Love
Ridder started 17 games for the Atlanta Falcons

Mentioned in this story

Tyrod TaylorDesmond Ridder

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GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Tyrod Taylor has signed with the Green Bay Packers as he gets an opportunity to back up quarterback Jordan Love in his 16th NFL season. The Packers announced Monday they had added Taylor and released quarterback Desmond Ridder. Green Bay needed to find a new backup quarterback after Malik Willis joined the Miami Dolphins on a three-year, $67.5 million deal with $45 million guaranteed. The release of Ridder leaves Taylor and Kyle McCord as the two quarterbacks behind Love on the depth chart. Taylor, who turns 37 on Aug. 3, has made 62 starts over 15 seasons. He made four starts last season with the New York Jets. He also has played for the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, and . The Ravens selected Taylor out of Virginia Tech in the sixth round of the 2011 draft. He has completed 61.8% of his passes for 13,033 yards with 73 touchdowns and 34 interceptions. He also has rushed for 2,424 yards and 20 touchdowns. Taylor reached the Pro Bowl with Buffalo in 2015. Last season, Taylor went 80 of 134 for 779 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions for the Jets. He rushed for 143 yards and one touchdown. The Packers opted for Taylor over Ridder, who started 17 games for the from 2022-23 and made one start with the in 2024. The Packers had signed Ridder to their practice squad on Dec. 31 and put him on the active roster a week later. Green Bay’s other backup option is McCord, who spent last season on the ’ practice squad after they drafted him in the sixth round in 2025. \\_ AP NFL:

Q&A

Why did the Packers release Desmond Ridder?

The Packers released Desmond Ridder to sign Tyrod Taylor as their new backup quarterback.

What is Tyrod Taylor's NFL career background?

Tyrod Taylor has played 15 seasons in the NFL, starting 62 games and reaching the Pro Bowl in 2015 while with the Buffalo Bills.

Who will back up Jordan Love after the Packers' recent changes?

After signing Tyrod Taylor and releasing Desmond Ridder, the Packers' backup quarterbacks are now Taylor and Kyle McCord.