Dolphins find their new backup QB by acquiring Kyle McCord from Packers

One day after trading Quinn Ewers to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Miami Dolphins bolstered their backup quarterback position by acquiring Kyle McCord from the Green Bay Packers. In return, the Dolphins gave the Packers a 2028 sixth-round draft pick.

McCord, who played the Packers’ final preseason game against Arizona on Friday, delivered an impressive performance, completing four touchdown passes, two of which came in the final 3 1/2 minutes. The Packers had already signed Tyrod Taylor as their proven backup following the Ewers trade, opting not to keep three quarterbacks on their roster or attempt to clear McCord through waivers.

The Miami Dolphins, with a connection to the Packers through former executives Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley, now have McCord as a backup to Malik Willis, who signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract with Miami in March. Willis had been the team's backup during his time with the Packers, where McCord played his senior season at Ohio State from 2021-23 and Syracuse in 2024.

McCord’s preseason performance against the Cardinals on Friday demonstrated his capability to thrive under pressure, throwing for 446 yards and four touchdowns while avoiding six sacks. He expressed his satisfaction with the result, emphasizing the importance of handling critical situations in high-stakes games.