Packers: Tyrod Taylor signing likely locks in QB hierarchy for 2026

Taylor was not successful as a backup last season, but it's hard to imagine any professional quarterback succeeding in the dumpster fire situation presented by the 2025 New York Jets.

After three seasons with a developing young quarterback behind him, Love will get the luxury of an experienced veteran in the backup chair. Now a decade and a half in at the pro level, Taylor could provide valuable day to day insight for Love in a quarterback room that lost assistant coach Sean Mannion this offseason.

With Taylor all but locked in as the No. 2 quarterback in Green Bay, McCord (a sixth-round pick of the Eagles in 2025) and Drones (an undrafted free agent who visited Green Bay before 2026 draft) will battle to win the third spot. The Packers are generally patient with this role, understanding the difficulties of developing a young, inexperienced quarterback in the NFL. But it may be fluid considering McCord was jettisoned from Philadelphia after just one year on the practice squad, and Drones -- while featuring Willis-like physical abilities -- needs substantial development as a passer in a pro style system.

Just last summer, the Packers went from Sean Clifford and Taylor Elgersma battling in training camp to opening the season with Clayton Tune as the third quarterback on the practice squad. Brian Gutekunst will keep churning this roster spot if necessary.

But now the important pair -- the starter and the backup -- are locked in.

The Packers exited free agency and the draft with a fairly important question mark at quarterback, given the fact that Love has missed starts during each of the last two years. But the signing of Taylor provides answers and creates stability behind Love, and puts in place the desired hierarchy of starter, backup and developmental players at the game's most important position.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers: Tyrod Taylor signing likely locks in QB hierarchy for 2026