The Green Bay Packers find themselves in a strong position as they approach the mid-point of the season. On Sunday, Jordan Love delivered what offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich described as “one of the best games he’s had since he’s been here” during the team’s 35-25 victory over the Aaron Rodgers-led Pittsburgh Steelers. This season, Love has significantly reduced his mistakes in the passing game, throwing just two interceptions over seven games.
To put that into perspective, Love threw 10 interceptions in his first seven games in 2024 and 8 in 2023. His current quarterback rating of 112.8 is on track to be the best single-season QBR of his career. At present, he ranks 5th among all signal callers in the league this season.
### The Backup Quarterback Situation: Time to Reassess
Despite Love’s solid performance, the Packers need to seriously consider the future of their “Jordan Love insurance”—their backup quarterback. Currently, Malik Willis occupies that role. Willis impressed in limited action last season, starting two games against the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts, going 2-0. However, his rookie contract expires at the end of this season. Given his potential as either a high-end backup or a bridge starter elsewhere, Willis might seek opportunities with another franchise.
Green Bay faces challenges in retaining him, especially considering their tight financial situation following the Micah Parsons deal and their clear commitment to Love as the franchise quarterback. Consequently, it seems likely the Packers will need to explore other options for their QB2 role next season.
### Anthony Richardson: A Potential High-Upside Backup
One intriguing candidate for the backup quarterback position is former Indianapolis Colts 4th overall pick Anthony Richardson. Richardson recently lost his starting job to the dynamic Daniel Jones, making him potentially available for a trade.
While many teams opt for experienced veterans as backups to their franchise quarterbacks, the Packers might benefit from pursuing a high-ceiling young talent like Richardson. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in the league. He has a proven track record of developing raw quarterbacks, having helped both Malik Willis and Jordan Love improve dramatically through his coaching and playcalling.
Richardson fits the profile of a raw but immensely talented player that LaFleur would relish working with. Although the immediate upside might be modest, the long-term potential is significant, including the chance to earn a high compensatory pick in the 2027 draft or potentially trade Richardson midseason in 2026.
With Richardson’s contract running through 2027, LaFleur and the Packers would have ample time—over a year and a half—to develop him into a reliable second-string quarterback or even a future starter.
### Trade Proposal Summary
**Green Bay Packers receive:**
– Anthony Richardson (QB)
Acquiring Richardson could provide the Packers with a valuable investment in their quarterback depth, aligning well with LaFleur’s coaching philosophy and the team’s future plans.
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As the Packers continue to build around Jordan Love, considering a high-upside backup like Anthony Richardson might be a savvy move to secure the team’s quarterback depth for years to come.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/green-bay-packers/anthony-richardson-trade-proposal/
