5 reasons why Packers should sign Ryan Tannehill after Jordan Love's freak injury

The Green Bay Packers' trip to Brazil was an unmitigated disaster, as they not only lost their season-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles but also their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, to an injury.

The 25-year-old is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks and potentially up to six after suffering an MCL strain in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter. Replays of the tackle that caused the injury prompted fears that he would be sidelined for most if not the entire 2024 season. The three-to-six-week timeline is the best-case scenario for Green Bay.

While Love is scheduled to return by mid-October, the team has to find a temporary replacement. Malik Willis, whom they acquired from the Tennessee Titans two weeks ago, is currently the only signal-caller on their 53-man roster.

The Packers will either promote former Penn State star Sean Clifford from the practice squad to the active roster or sign a replacement before their Week 2 game at Lambeau Field against the Indianapolis Colts. While they are yet to be linked to any players, the most prominent name that has been doing the rounds on social media is Ryan Tannehill.

There are several reasons why Green Bay should consider bringing in the veteran for a workout at least.

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Reasons why the Packers should sign Ryan Tannehill

1. He's the biggest name available as a free agent

Ryan Tannehill is by far the most accomplished quarterback still available as a free agent. The only other players with more experience than the former Titans star that the Packers could consider are Brian Hoyer and Blaine Gabbert.

The former has started only four games in the last six seasons, while the latter has one start since the 2019 season. On the flip side, Tannehill was the starter in eight of the 10 games he played for Tennessee last season. He's by far the most qualified player of the ones available.

2. He'll be cost-efficient

Having lost the player they handed a four-year, $220 million extension to, the Packers won't be keen on adding a player with a hefty price tag. Tannehill will likely cost a nominal amount by NFL contract standards. He's eager to prove he can still play and will pounce at the opportunity to start at least three games, even if it doesn't pay well.

3. He has experience stepping in for a young QB

In the 2019 offseason, Tannehill signed a one-year deal with the Titans to be their backup quarterback behind Marcus Mariota. However, the young signal-caller struggled at the start of the year, prompting Tennessee to give the veteran a chance.

He quickly made the role his own with exceptional performances. He finished the year with 2,742 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, with six interceptions. He also rushed for 185 yards and four touchdowns. He was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year and was handed a four-year, $118 million contract extension.

4. He wouldn't cost a draft pick

If Green Bay was asked to pick a veteran to replace Jordan Love, players like Jimmy Garoppolo and Joe Flacco would be pretty high on their list. However, they'd both cost a draft pick at least, which the Packers would like to avoid, considering their starting quarterback is expected to return from injury in three to six weeks.

5. Tannehill has shared a QB room with Malik Willis

Willis and Tannehill were teammates for the past two seasons in Tennessee. The duo likely have a fair idea about each other's traits, which could prove handy. Willis could help the veteran get up to speed with the Packers' playbook, making the transition smoother.

There are enough reasons for the Packers to consider bringing in Tannehill as a backup quarterback if not the starter until Love is cleared to play. It remains to be seen whether Green Bay goes for the most obvious choice to help mitigate their quarterback conundrum or if they have a trick up their sleeve.