The Ten Most Likely Players to Start at Quarterback for the Packers

It is June 1 which means that the likelihood of Aaron Rodgers is staying in Green Bay is higher.  However, that does not in any way mean that the long saga is over.  There remains tension between the Packers and Aaron Rodgers, and whether or not he will even show up for mandatory team activities is yet to be seen.  Without a contract extension or verbal commitment to the season from Rodgers, there is no way to know for sure who will be the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers when the season starts.  With that question in mind, here are ten possible Week One starters for the Green Bay Packers, starting with the least likely.

#10- Deshaun Watson

Let’s face it: this is not going to happen given the allegations against Watson.  However, if those did not exist, with both quarterbacks rumored to want trades away from their organizations, a trade of Rodgers for Watson would be interesting.  Due to Watson being younger than Rodgers, the Packers would likely need to include a draft pick or two.  However, getting a star-level quarterback in return would have been the ideal situation for the Packers.  It’s not going to happen, though, and it shouldn’t happen.

#9- Russell Wilson

Another disgruntled quarterback who, earlier this offseason, reportedly wanted out from his team.  Things seem to have settled, though, in Seattle and the Seahawks apparently are in the running for Julio Jones.  Wilson is staying put, but the likelihood of him playing for the Packers is certainly higher than Watson’s.

#8- Drew Lock

When the Denver Broncos were first tied to a possible trade for Aaron Rodgers, it was assumed that Drew Lock would be sent to the Packers as part of the deal.  The likelihood of this deal is slim, but it is more probable than one involving the Seahawks or the Texans.

#7- Robert Griffin III

The free agent quarterback is looking for a starting job, and if Rodgers is traded or sits out/retires, the Packers would be the best destination for him.  The Packers boast the best offense in the NFL (with Aaron Rodgers), and any veteran quarterback would be in a good position if they were to step in.

#6- Brett Hundley

Old friend.  Hundley was Aaron Rodgers’ backup for two seasons and started nine games for the Packers when Rodgers was injured.  The Packers went 3-6 in those games and the Hundley threw nine touchdowns against 12 interceptions.  He is a free agent and would be a cost-friendly option in a pinch.

#5- Josh McCown

Josh McCown is 42 years old and has not played in the NFL since 2019.  However, he is well-respected in the NFL and could be a good temporary starter while Jordan Love develops.  McCown has played for nine NFL teams throughout his career.  Why not make it an even 10?

#4- Kurt Benkert

The best advice I can give anyone is to believe in yourself. @packers ✍🏻

I’m so thankful. pic.twitter.com/L2W7laiR44

— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) May 15, 2021

Kurt Benkert was recently signed by the Green Bay Packers and has been participating in OTA’s.  Benkert was formerly with the Atlanta Falcons, but has not thrown a NFL pass.  He is already signed, making him a higher possibility than others on this list.

#3- Blake Bortles

Blake Bortles, a former starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars, is in Packers’ camp as a camp-arm.  However, the veteran quarterback could be promoted to the starting role if Rodgers is traded or sits out.  He has previously thrown over 30 touchdowns in a sesaon while leading the NFL in interceptions in that same season.  However, he has never had a receiving group as talented as the one the Packers have, and he could be a suitable temporary starter in the absence of the three-time MVP.

#2- Jordan Love

If Aaron Rodgers is not with the Green Bay Packers in 2021, it is hard to see anyone else but Jordan Love taking the starting job.  After all, he was drafted as Rodgers’ heir-apparent.  Love has shown great improvements during OTA’s.  He still has some ways to go in his development, but without Rodgers he may be starting earlier than expected.

#1- Aaron Rodgers

It’s June 1.  Rodgers it still on the roster.  Despite the drama, the Packers have never waivered in their desire to have Rodgers under center, and it is likely that a deal will get done to make it happen.  Expect the 2020 MVP to be under center for the Packers in 2021.

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