When the Green Bay Packers opened training camp last month, quarterback Kyle McCord appeared to be an afterthought for most fans. The Packers knew barring injuries that Jordan Love would be the starting quarterback and newly signed Tyrod Taylor would be the backup. Experts expected McCord to battle undrafted rookie Kyron Drones for a spot on the practice squad. But that quickly changed during training camp. Now, Kyle McCord is making a case for himself after a strong preseason performance as he aspires to greater heights.

Kyle McCord Making a Case for Himself: How He Got Here

The Philadelphia Eagles selected McCord in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Syracuse alum spent the 2025 campaign on the Eagles practice squad without seeing any regular season action. McCord spent three seasons at Ohio State before transferring to Syracuse. In his one season at Syracuse, he set an ACC single season record with 4,779 passing yards while also setting school records for touchdowns (34) and pass completions (391).

The Packers signed McCord to a futures contract in January of this year so he could battle for one of the backup quarterback spots behind Love.

Like most NFL teams, the Packers typically keep two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster and then add a developmental quarterback on the practice squad. The Packers did not draft a quarterback this year but did sign Drones as an undrafted free agent.

Later in the offseason, the Packers signed Taylor to be the primary backup to Love, replacing Malik Willis who signed with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent.

Making an Impression

The battle between McCord and Drones was expected to be an afterthought in training camp. The winner would be placed on the practice squad while the loser would be released.

McCord had one more year of experience and was better versed in a traditional NFL passing offense. Drones was considered more athletic. Some scouts viewed Drones as having the potential to develop into a player similar to Willis if he reached his potential mostly because of his mobility and athleticism.

It quickly became apparent in training camp that McCord was ahead of Drones in his development. McCord went through his progressions and found the right receiver. Drones was slower and you could often almost see him thinking out there.

That became quickly apparent in the preseason opener against the Steelers. McCord moved the offense well including leading them on a drive right before the half that led to a long Trey Smack field goal on the final play before the break. Drones didn’t complete a pass and was sacked several times because he held the ball too long. The Packers released Drones shortly after the preseason opener.

Kyle McCord Making a Case for Himself: Looking Ahead

McCord had another strong performance in the second preseason game in Denver. In two preseason games thus far, he has competed 24-of-35 passes for 220 yards. He has yet to throw a touchdown pass or an interception. That gives him a 68.6 percent completion percentage and a quarterback rating of 85.4.

Thus far, McCord has looked solid in the two preseason games while Taylor has had two uneven performances.

While some fans have been clamoring for McCord to be named the backup ahead of the struggling Taylor, the two preseason games involve minimal game plans on both offense and defense. McCord played well but was playing with and against second and third string players including many who won’t be in the NFL when the regular season starts.

But while it may be premature to anoint McCord as the second quarterback, he has certainly made a good impression on the coaching staff. Since Taylor is on a one-year contract, the backup position will be open in 2027, and McCord will have a full season to show the coaching staff he’s ready to take the next step next season.

McCord is trying to focus on what he’s doing now, however. “I feel like it’s so easy to get caught up in those long-term, down-the-line type of goals,” McCord said. “I think the most important thing is being where your feet are and making the most out of every preseason game, every practice, every rep you get.”

The opportunity is there for McCord. He took the first step by becoming the number three quarterback.  Now he has to take full advantage of this chance to grow as an NFL quarterback.

 

 

 

 

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