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Packers Sign Tyrod Taylor as Backup After Willis Exit

5/5/2026

Summary

Tyrod Taylor Signed

The Green Bay Packers signed quarterback Tyrod Taylor as Jordan Love’s backup on May 4, 2026.
The signing followed backup Malik Willis leaving for the Miami Dolphins on a $67.5 million contract and prompted the release of quarterback Desmond Ridder.
The updated depth chart lists Jordan Love, Tyrod Taylor, Kyle McCord and rookie Kyron Drones.
Taylor, 36, has 100 games, 62 starts, 13,033 passing yards, 73 touchdowns and an 87.7 passer rating.

Summary

Packers Sign Taylor

The Packers used over $20 million in cap space to sign quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a one-year deal.
Taylor’s modest contract will not affect the Packers’ 2026 cap plan, while Desmond Ridder’s $1.22 million and Kyle McCord’s $885 k salaries are non-guaranteed.
Coach Matt LaFleur may employ Taylor in a dual-threat run-pass-option role similar to Malik Willis.
The team also released receivers Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, signaling a broader roster overhaul.

History

Historical Context

When the NFL imposed its first hard salary cap in 1994, the limit rose to $34.6 million, forcing the Green Bay Packers under owner Bob Harlan to cut veteran contracts like Brett Favre’s $12 million deal. Decades later, the 2026 cap still drives similar moves, as the Packers allocated over $20 million to veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor while trimming other veterans.

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Tyrod Taylor Signed

The Green Bay Packers signed quarterback Tyrod Taylor as Jordan Love’s backup on May 4, 2026.
The signing followed backup Malik Willis leaving for the Miami Dolphins on a $67.5 million contract and prompted the release of quarterback Desmond Ridder.
The updated depth chart lists Jordan Love, Tyrod Taylor, Kyle McCord and rookie Kyron Drones.
Taylor, 36, has 100 games, 62 starts, 13,033 passing yards, 73 touchdowns and an 87.7 passer rating.

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