5 QBs Packers can target if Jordan Love's injury proves to be long-term feat. Ryan Tannehill
Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers' trip to Brazil to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL's first game on South American soil wasn't as memorable as they'd have hoped. They suffered a 34-29 loss and fell to 0-1 on the season.
But more worryingly, the Packers quarterback had to exit the game with less than six seconds left in the fourth quarter with a left leg injury.
With the Packers trailing by five, Jordan Love tried to set up a Hail Mary attempt but the Eagles' pass rush had him pincered, with Jalen Carter holding onto his legs and Josh Sweat trying to tackle him to the floor.
The quarterback's leg got caught underneath the defensive end's body and the linebacker's shove twisted it at an awkward angle, leaving him in agonizing pain. He made way for Malik Willis to attempt the game-ending Hail Mary, but it came up short, ending the contest.
While the defeat will leave a sour taste in the Packers' mouths, their quarterback missing games due to an injury he picked up during a desperate play in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter will frustrate them to no end. If he's sidelined for an extended period, Willis will likely start games.
However, Green Bay could look to sign a free agent or part ways with a low draft pick to land a replacement. Here are some options they could consider:
Jordan Love injury: 5 QBs the Packers could target to replace the star
1. Ryan Tannehill
Ryan Tannehill is still a free agent and could be the easiest short-term fix to the Packers' quarterback conundrum should Jordan Love be ruled out for a long time. The veteran played 10 games last season for the Tennessee Titans and completed 149 of his 230 pass attempts for 1,616 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
An 11-year NFL veteran, Tannehill has the experience and the track record to be a viable option for head coach Matt LeFleur's team.
2. Zach Wilson
The former first-round pick joined the Denver Broncos this offseason, hoping to start afresh after his disastrous spell with the New York Jets. Head coach Sean Payton tried out all three quarterbacks on the roster and named rookie Bo Nix as the starter with veteran Jarrett Stidham second in line.
Zach Wilson is in the final year of his contract and desperately needs playing time to extend his career beyond this season. Perhaps the Packers could part ways with a seventh-round pick to acquire the quarterback and allow him to salvage his career and potentially play well enough to help Green Bay avoid sinking too deep without Jordan Love.
3. Joe Flacco
The Indianapolis Colts signed Joe Flacco on a one-year deal to mentor sophomore star Anthony Richardson and third-stringer Sam Elhinger and be first in line to step in if their starting quarterback suffered an injury like last season. However, the opportunity to start games could lure the 39-year-old to ask the Colts to let him join the Packers.
Last year, Flacco played six games for the Cleveland Browns and threw for 1,923 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He led them to the playoffs and was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year. The chance to play more games than he did last year could entice the veteran.
4. Bailey Zappe
Bailey Zappe is not as intriguing as the options above, but he could be a player Green Bay considers to fill their quarterback room. Jordan Love and Malik Willis are the only signal-callers on the Packers' depth chart. If the 25-year-old's injury is severe, they'll likely look to sign multiple quarterbacks as a contingency.
Zappe played 14 games and started eight for the New England Patriots in the last two seasons before being released this offseason. He's currently on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad and would be a cost-efficient option to sit behind Willis.
5. Mike White
The Buffalo Bills added Mike White to their practice squad after the Miami Dolphins released him in late August. With Mitchell Trubisky sidelined with an injury, the 29-year-old was expected to be the backup to Josh Allen in Week 1. But the veteran has recovered, paving the way for White to return to the practice squad.
However, he could be on the sideline in Week 2 if the Packers sign him to be Willis' backup until Jordan Love recovers from his foot injury. He has started seven games in his career and had two terrific games for the Jets in the 2022 season. White could be another cheap option that Green Bay looks at.
While the Packers scroll through the possibilities, they'll be hoping that Jordan Love's injury isn't a cause for concern and even if he's sidelined, it's not for an extended period.