The deal represents a solid return for Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst. McCord had been in Green Bay on a reserve/future pact since January. After a summer with the team, he was packaged for a 2028 sixth-round pick. The maneuver also freed a future seventh-round selection to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Kaleb Johnson, providing added depth at running back after Josh Jacobs was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
With that roster decision in place, Gutekunst now pivots to identifying a third quarterback to stash on the practice squad. There are several realistic options worth considering across the league, each with different profiles and potential fits for the Packers’ system.
Will Levis has long been a name fans and analysts monitor. A former second-round pick by the Tennessee Titans, Levis was released by his former team after a stint that didn’t pan out as hoped. Possessing the physical tools and experience as a starter, Levis could be a high-upside option if he clears waivers. If he becomes a free agent, the Packers could end up evaluating him as a potential practice-squad addition or even a short-term solution if needed. However, there’s a real possibility that he gets claimed off waivers given his upside and the demand for quarterback depth around the league.
Hendon Hooker is another intriguing target. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 class with the 68th overall pick, Hooker’s development has been hampered by an ACL injury that sidelined him in his final college season. At 28 years old, Hooker isn’t viewed as a polished passer, but he brings a strong understanding of pro-style offenses and the ability to learn quickly. Hooker even had a pre-draft visit with Green Bay, which signals the Packers’ potential interest in him as an emergency quarterback option this season. If Hooker can revive his prospects in a backend role, he could be a valuable developmental piece on the practice squad.
Sean Clifford is another veteran with familiarity to consider. The Cincinnati Bengals released Clifford after he spent the 2025 season with them. A fourth-quarter draft pick by Green Bay in 2023, Clifford is a known quantity within the Packers’ coaching staff and scheme. His prior experience with Matt LaFleur’s system could make him an attractive practice-squad candidate, providing depth and an opportunity to continue developing in a familiar environment.
Jake Browning is also in the conversation. Browning has experience and a track record that includes a notable 2023 season, though his production has varied since. The Packers could offer him a spot on the practice squad, granting him the flexibility to pursue opportunities with another NFL team if a better chance arises. In this setup, Browning would work with Green Bay’s coaches, sharpening his skills while providing another layer of quarterback depth behind Tyrod Taylor.
Speaking of Tyrod Taylor, he is the incumbent quarterback entering the regular season. However, his performance in training camp and the preseason did not outshine Kyle McCord, which leaves the door open for an alternative plan if injuries or performance issues arise. A well-considered practice-squad addition could give Green Bay a reliable fallback option who can step in quickly if needed, while also keeping the organization flexible for the season.
In weighing these options, the Packers will assess a few key criteria: quarterback development potential within LaFleur’s system, the ability to contribute in a pinch on game day, and the overall fit within the locker room and coaching philosophy. The practice squad remains a critical asset for a team looking to maintain depth at the most vital position on the roster without committing long-term resources. Green Bay’s front office tends to favor players who can absorb the playbook quickly, adapt to the team’s tempo, and contribute as a reliable confidant for the starting quarterback when called upon.
Beyond evaluating quarterback depth, Green Bay’s broader roster strategy continues to emphasize building a resilient supporting cast around its core. The organization has demonstrated a willingness to leverage mobility, arm talent, and a strong understanding of the system to maximize the ceiling of its quarterbacks. The prospect of adding a seasoned or developing signal-caller to the practice squad aligns with that philosophy, offering a buffer that can be activated when circumstances demand.
As the season approaches, the Packers will monitor league movements, waiver activity, and potential trade or signing opportunities that could augment their quarterback room. The goal remains clear: secure a reliable, adaptable third quarterback who can contribute when needed, while preserving the flexibility to adjust the roster as the season unfolds.
For fans following Green Bay’s journey, this period of roster evaluation highlights the delicate balance between immediate readiness and long-term development. The team’s willingness to explore multiple routes at the third quarterback position underscores a broader commitment to roster depth and strategic flexibility, ensuring they’re prepared for any scenario that might arise during the grind of the 2026 NFL season.
