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Packers potential backup QB Ryan Tannehill, currently a free agent

Considering the big question facing the Packers a year ago was whether they could trust their new quarterback, the big question facing the team now – whether they can trust their backup quarterback – is actually a luxury problem. But considering how many quarterbacks in the NFL were out last season, it’s not a luxury problem to take lightly.

After watching rookie Michael Pratt and second-year player Sean Clifford struggle through training camp and three uninspiring preseason games, coach Matt LaFleur left open the possibility that the Packers could abandon the current roster behind Jordan Love and look for an entirely new backup quarterback.

Just like the team’s uncertain kicker situation, the uncertain quarterback situation isn’t a problem until the emergency occurs and it becomes a major problem. LaFleur said after the season finale via Packers Wire, “We’ll see. Similar to the kicker competition, there were some really good moments and some things we definitely need to do better. And we’ll evaluate everything that comes our way.”

“Out there” means options beyond Clifford and Pratt. And one guy who’s been lurking out there since March is a quality, veteran free agent who could win games if Love gets hurt later in the year: former Titans star Ryan Tannehill.

Ryan Tannehill, best available free agent QB

There are some voices on the Packers analysis site Packers Talk arguing that the 36-year-old Tannehill should be signed sooner rather than later. He’s likely to be the first player on the speed dial of any team that has a serious quarterback injury early in the season. Perhaps the Packers should act now – if Tannehill would join them.

In an article titled “3 Backup Quarterback Options for the Packers: Sign, Trade, Develop,” Michael Phillips wrote:

“The current market for backup quarterbacks is not exactly what you would call ‘attractive.’ Former Dolphins and Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is still a free agent.

“While Tannehill is by far the best quarterback available as a free agent right now, he wouldn’t be cheap. Tannehill would be a top-five backup in the NFL from the moment he’s signed, one might even say top-two. But given his age and the amount he would likely demand, it’s unlikely he would sign with Green Bay. Tannehill is playing it smart, though. The longer he waits, the more injuries a contender’s starting QB may suffer, allowing him to demand some money.”

How much the Packers would be willing to pay him is still unclear. They are said to be paying Pratt and Clifford a combined $2 million this season.

Packers offer chance for Super Bowl

All of this assumes, however, that Tannehill is primarily motivated by money at this point in his career. That’s unlikely. He just signed a four-year, $118 million contract with the Titans, and given his age, it’s a question of whether he really hopes to become a regular. Tannehill has won the personal accolades, earning a Pro Bowl spot and Comeback Player of the Year honors in his first season with the Titans in 2019.

What Tannehill lacks is playoff success. In his six seasons in Miami, he never led the Dolphins to the playoffs and took the Titans to the AFC Championship game once, during the 2019 season. They went 2-1 that postseason, and Tannehill went 0-2 in his only other playoff appearances.

Yes, Tannehill could hold out and wait for a chance to step in as an injured replacement in the coming weeks. But last year he was just 3-5 as a starter, finishing the year with just 1,616 yards and seven interceptions against four touchdowns.

Instead of hoping for injuries, Tannehill could sign a contract with the Packers and give himself a chance to play in the Super Bowl – even if it’s just as a replacement for Love.

Sean Deveney is a veteran sports reporter who covers the NBA, NFL and MLB for Heavy.com. He has been writing for Heavy since 2019 and has more than two decades of experience covering the NBA, including 17 years as the lead NBA reporter for the Sporting News. Deveney is the author of 7 nonfiction books, including Fun City, Before Wrigley become Wrigley and Facing Michael Jordan. More about Sean Deveney