Hunting for Hasselbecks: Why the Packers draft late-round QBs and who they will target in 2026, Pt. 2

The Packers used to regularly draft QBs in the late rounds, uncovering gems like Matt Hasselbeck and flipping them in trades. GM Brian Gutekunst wants to revive that practice.

The Green Bay Packers will have a new primary backup quarterback in 2026. Malik Willis, their No. 2 signal-caller over the past two seasons, departed for a multiyear contract with the Miami Dolphins during the early days of free agency. In doing so, he joins a growing cadre of former Packers who have found work in South Beach.

But even if Willis hadn’t left town this offseason, the Packers might still have thrown a draft pick at a quarterback anyway. General manager Brian Gutekunst has gone on the record about his desire to more regularly take signal-callers in the later rounds. That approach worked well for the team in the past, with late-round prospects like Aaron Brooks, Mark Brunell, and Matt Hasselbeck developing into quality backups and, eventually, trade assets.

Earlier this week, The Leap detailed the Packers’ history with late-round quarterbacks and why it matters in 2026. Today’s newsletter dives into the team’s historical profile for these prospects and which of the incoming rookie signal-callers have a chance to land on Green Bay’s draft board.

Building a draft profile

When the Packers have looked for potential franchise passers, they have prioritized raw arm talent, football intelligence, and creativity over technical polish. That meant QBs with significantly different backgrounds, traits, and shapes ended up as long-term starters in Green Bay. Brett Favre brought one of the strongest arms in NFL history and, for better or worse, a fearlessness to attempt any throw. Aaron Rodgers offered a near-perfect balance of down-to-down efficiency and jaw-dropping playmaking. Jordan Love finds himself somewhere between the two in terms of play style.

However, when it comes to late-round quarterbacks, the Packers appear to have a more consistent profile.