Packers explore intriguing QB competition idea with talented former Eagles passer who lacked chances to prove himself

Kyle McCord signed a future deal with the Packers.

Adam Holt, Wendell Ferreira
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Aug 22, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kyle McCord (19) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Aug 22, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kyle McCord (19) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mark Smith-Imagn Images

The Green Bay Packers are following Ron Wolf’s philosophy under Brian Gutekunst. And one position in particular deserves a high amount of investment — quarterback.

The Packers are obviously established with Jordan Love as the future of the franchise. But with backup Malik Willis slated to hit free agency in a month, Gutekunst started to look for depth options. After signing Desmond Ridder down the stretch of last season, the Packers also signed a future contract with Kyle McCord.

A sixth-round pick in 2025, McCord was the 132nd prospect on the consensus big board — the eighth quarterback, ahead of guys like Dillon Gabriel, Riley Leonard, Max Brosmer, Brady Cook, and Taylor Elgersma. After spending his rookie season on the Eagles’ practice squad, he will get a new opportunity in Green Bay to compete for a backup job.

Why McCord left the Eagles

McCord’s departure from Philadelphia had less to do with the former Syracuse and Ohio State QB and more to do with Tanner McKee. Philadelphia thinks highly of McKee, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. They’ve given him the reins to be their backup quarterback for the foreseeable future, so a third QB behind him and Jalen Hurts hasn’t been a focus from the Eagles.

For McCord, he was brought in to compete for that backup role but never quite overthrew McKee in practice or limited preseason game opportunities.

McCord spent this season on the Eagles’ practice squad, and the quarterbacks on the active roster stayed healthy enough that he never found a foothold there. While McCord was initially seen as “insurance” in case McKee left via free agency or a trade, that has not been the reality as of the end of this season.

For the Eagles, it was a case of probably preparing a bit too much for disaster at the position. Ultimately, McCord was a wasted Day 3 pick for them due to his limited overall impact.

Prospect profile

As a prospect, McCord was a guy that Gutekunst would certainly like. A 6-3, 218-pound passer, he has the physical tools to develop in the NFL. He started 26 college games, including being a full-time starter in one season at Ohio State and another one at Syracuse.

McCord’s A to Z Sports draft profile highlighted his ability as a pocket passer, arm talent, and confidence, while also noting some cons: lack of consistency, mobility, and field vision, especially under pressure.

For now, the Packers have three quarterbacks on the 90-man roster. Ridder and McCord will have an open competition for the second spot, and the battle can gain more competitors during or right after the draft. For the former sixth-rounder, it’s a real chance to show his tools in an environment known for its track record of quarterback development.

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