Packers part ways with Kyron Drones, clearing path for Kyle McCord as QB3

The Green Bay Packers cleared space on their quarterback depth chart by parting ways with Kyron Drones, according to a report by Yahoo Sports on Aug. 15. The timing matters because it comes just two days after the Packers’ preseason opener, a period when teams are still sorting roles for the regular season opener while also looking for answers in game situations.

Drones originally entered the NFL with Green Bay as an undrafted free agent immediately following the 2026 draft. Yahoo Sports reported that he signed for $5,000 in guarantees, with that figure ranking 10th among 12 undrafted quarterback signings at the position that offseason. The report frames the release as a decision that changes the competition behind the established starters.

With Drones out of the mix, the same Yahoo Sports report suggests Kyle McCord should see an uptick in snaps during training camp and preseason games. In practical terms, that means more opportunities for McCord to work with the third unit, get additional looks at tempo and protections, and play more extensively in drives that coaches often use to evaluate late-round and depth-quarterback readiness.

For the Packers, the quarterback battle in camp is never only about talent. It is also about reliability and execution under time pressure, including taking correct pre-snap steps, managing the cadence, and communicating effectively in pass protection. When one fringe option exits after the preseason opener, it can accelerate those reps for the next quarterback in line and tighten the evaluation window.

McCord’s increased role, as outlined by Yahoo Sports, also shapes how the team may approach early preseason game plans. Teams often protect a starter’s workload while using the mid and late portions of games to stress depth players, and a deeper set of snaps for one quarterback can simplify coaching decisions late in the sequence.

Still, the report indicates a projection rather than a guaranteed workload or specific in-game assignment. The Packers can adjust at any point based on practice performance, situational matchups, and how other quarterbacks are progressing during the week.

The next watch point is how McCord responds to the expanded opportunities over the remaining preseason slate. If he takes advantage of those third-string snaps with consistent decision-making and clean fundamentals, the Packers could have a clearer view of their quarterback depth mix heading into roster cuts.