Acme Packing Company
As we discussed earlier this week, the Green Bay Packers don’t have many absolute needs going into this offseason. Could the team use a talent infusion in the draft? Always, but few positions scream “absolutely need,” with the major exception being quarterback, because the Packers are unlikely to re-sign quarterback Malik Willis — considering his expected $5 million to $8 million per year range.
For example, I could see the team adding talent to the cornerback and defensive tackle rooms, but I can also see the team saying, “Hey, we have these NFL-caliber guys on cheap contracts; Why are we actively trying to shed those deals?” The same can’t be said at the quarterback position.
That’s why I want to turn your attention to what’s happening in the NFL draft landscape right now, as it’s something that almost certainly will impact Green Bay in April. I wouldn’t bring this up if it wasn’t relevant: A lot of quarterbacks are planning on going back to college football.
So far, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, considered to be a first-round prospect, and USC’s Jayden Maiava, considered to be a Day 2 prospect, have already stated that they will be returning to their respective teams in 2026. So is Texas’ Arch Manning, though, that was always the expectation going into the year.
Beyond them, Cincinnati’s Bendan Sorsby, who was a borderline top-100 type player, is entering the transfer portal as he waits for NFL feedback. Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, who is technically a senior in this class, has also filed a waiver with the NCAA so that he’s granted a retroactive redshirt year and can play one more season of college football.
After talking to scouts, it seems like the consensus is that Oklahoma’s John Mateer will also go back to school this year, as his before-and-after splits regarding his wrist surgery were pretty significant. Before his surgery, Mateer completed 95 of 141 passes (67%) for 1,215 yards (8.6 a pass), six touchdowns and three interceptions for an adjusted yards per attempt mark of 8.5. After the injury, he completed just 126 of 215 (59%) for 1,363 yards (6.3 a pass), six touchdowns and seven interceptions for an adjusted yards per attempt of 5.4.
With all these players going back, what does that leave the Packers, who almost certainly will be trying to lock down their next backup quarterback in the draft? Let’s take a look.
Out of this group, the only certainty that scouts believe is absolutely going to declare is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. Oregon’s Dante Moore has been rumored to be leaning toward a return to Eugene, but he’s also made it clear that his decision hasn’t been set in stone. Maybe a successful playoff performance can change things, but the Packers won’t be in a position to draft him either way. What Moore’s exclusion or...
