At a Glance
- The Green Bay Packers signed former Philadelphia Eagles practice-squad quarterback Kyle McCord to a futures contract.
- McCord was the 181st overall pick in the 2024 draft and finished the season on the Eagles’ practice squad.
- The move adds depth to the Packers’ quarterback room as they prepare for the upcoming season.
- Why it matters: It shows the Packers are willing to invest in a young, high-potential quarterback who has yet to see regular-season action.
The Green Bay Packers have added former Philadelphia Eagles practice-squad quarterback Kyle McCord to their roster. McCord, a 23-year-old from Northwestern, signed a futures contract after the Eagles released him from the active roster and left him on their practice squad for the entire season. The move gives the Packers a young arm to develop as they look ahead to the next NFL season.
Futures Contracts Explained
A futures contract is a way for teams to secure a player’s rights for the upcoming season without paying them more than the league minimum. Players who finish the season on a practice squad become unrestricted free agents and can sign such deals with any team.
- Unrestricted free agency: Practice-squad players are free to sign futures deals.
- Roster control: Teams lock in a player before the new league year begins.
- Financial simplicity: Contracts are typically for the minimum salary.
The Eagles used this mechanism to sign 13 players to futures contracts, 10 of whom were from their own 16-man practice squad.
McCord’s Draft and College Background
McCord was selected in the 6th round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 181st overall. He was the seventh quarterback taken that year.
- College path: Started at Ohio State as a backup to C.J. Stroud.
- Transfer: Moved to Syracuse for his final year.
- Record-setting season: Led the BCS in passing yards and finished 10th in Heisman Trophy balloting.
His college career showcased his ability to move the ball and adapt to different offensive systems.
Eagles’ Roster Moves
During the preseason, McCord struggled:
- 24-for-56 completions (43%)
- 1 touchdown pass
- 2 interceptions
- 43.1 passer rating
The Eagles released him on August 25 and signed him to the practice squad the next day. He spent the entire season on that squad, becoming the third quarterback drafted by the Eagles in the last 30 years who never played a regular-season snap.
| 2004 | 6th-round pick | Andy Hall (Delaware) |
| 2019 | 5th-round pick | Clayton Thorson (Northwestern) |
| 2024 | 6th-round pick | Kyle McCord |
The Eagles still have Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee under contract, while Sam Howell will be a free agent this offseason.
Packers Sign McCord
The Packers’ decision to sign McCord reflects their strategy to add depth at the quarterback position.
- Current roster: Jordan Love, Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder.
- Future potential: McCord’s college production suggests he could develop into a reliable backup.
- Roster flexibility: Futures contracts allow the Packers to keep him on the 90-man offseason roster.
The move is part of the Packers’ broader plan to build a competitive team for the next season.
Quarterback Landscape
The NFL’s quarterback market remains competitive. Teams are increasingly willing to invest in younger players who have shown flashes of potential.
- Draft trends: Several teams are selecting quarterbacks in the mid-rounds.
- Practice-squad value: Teams use practice squads to develop talent without risking active roster spots.
- Futures contracts: Provide a low-risk way to secure promising players.
McCord’s signing is an example of this trend.
Key Takeaways
- The Packers added a 23-year-old quarterback to their roster via a futures contract.
- McCord was a 6th-round pick who had a strong college career but struggled in the Eagles’ preseason.
- Futures contracts allow teams to lock in talent without significant financial commitment.
- The move adds depth to the Packers’ quarterback room and gives McCord a chance to compete for playing time.
The Packers’ decision to sign Kyle McCord underscores the importance of depth at the quarterback position and the value of futures contracts in building a competitive roster for the upcoming NFL season.
