Packers could make shocking move for former first-round QB before NFL draft

Heading into the 2026 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers have a few roster holes that need addressing.

But few would argue that quarterback is one of them.

Green Bay is three years into the Jordan Love era, and the 27-year-old signal-caller signed a four-year, $220 million contract back in July 2024. In three years as a starter, he’s compiled a 27-20-1 record and thrown for 10,929 yards, 80 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions.

However, the Packers lost backup Malik Willis to the Miami Dolphins and the team could capitalize on its recent reputation of taking castaway QBs and rehabbing them, which is why Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski recently predicted Green Bay will send a Day 3 draft pick to the Indianapolis Colts for quarterback Anthony Richardson.

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“As the old saying goes: ‘Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,’” Sobleski wrote. “In this particular case, a match between Anthony Richardson and the Green Bay Packers almost seems destined.

“… General manager Chris Ballard will almost certainly move Richardson at a steeply discounted price, likely a Day 3 draft pick. The Packers can capitalize by bringing in another underdeveloped, top-shelf athlete and let head coach Matt LaFleur and offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich get back in the lab and go to work.”

Expectations were sky-high for Richardson when the Colts took him fourth overall back in 2023. However, a series of injuries, poor coaching, and the career revival of Daniel Jones derailed any momentum Richardson had gained.

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But given he’s only 23, sitting for a year or two and learning behind Love and from head coach Matt LaFleur, who’s considered one of the top offensive minds in the game, could be just what Richardson needs to get his career back on track.

“Richardson presents significantly more upside, particularly in a situation where he has time to sit, learn and develop behind Jordan Love,” Sobleski added. “He’s still only 23 years old and a former fourth overall draft pick. The Colts started him too early. He wasn’t ready for the responsibility of being an NFL quarterback or facing professional defenses. Both sides failed each other.”