One position that should be on the minds of Detroit Lions fans this offseason is backup quarterback. It’s a position not as high on the list as pass rusher or offensive line, but it's something that the Lions must take seriously heading into 2026.
This season, Kyle Allen held down the QB2 job after beating out former third-round pick Hendon Hooker in the preseason. Thankfully, the Lions didn’t need Allen, who attempted two passes in three games in 2025.
That said, the 29-year-old signal-caller is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and Detroit would be better off trying to find a younger QB to develop behind Goff.
Now, the Lions could find that developmental quarterback in free agency or the NFL draft. However, Detroit didn’t need to wait for those two events, as rookie QB Kyle McCord was available for the taking.
McCord, who spent the entire 2025 season on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad, did not get a futures deal and officially became a free agent on Monday. But the Lions watched another team from the NFC North snatch up the young QB. On Tuesday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reported that the Green Bay Packers signed McCord to a reserve/futures deal.
Lions Miss Golden Opportunity to Bring in Ex-Eagles QB Kyle McCord
This decision by the Packers won’t move the needle among Lions fans. However, it was a smart move by Green Bay, given that they could lose Malik Willis in free agency.
By putting McCord on a reserve/futures deal, it doesn’t cost Green Bay much to see if he can hack it in minicamp and training camp. If the ex-Eagles QB doesn’t play well, the Packers can easily cut ties.
If you’re Lions GM Brad Holmes, this was the perfect low-risk, high-reward move to make. For all intents and purposes, Detroit will enter free agency with one QB under contract in Goff.
That’s not great, considering that most teams have at least two guys under contract going into the next season.
With McCord, the Lions’ offensive coaching staff could’ve worked with him to see if he has some tools worth developing. And even if McCord didn’t make the Lions’ 53-man out of preseason, he would’ve been an adequate practice squad quarterback.
Also, McCord has more upside than CJ Beathard, who was on the Lions’ PS this season. The rookie quarterback, who had a great 2024 season with Syracuse, was taken in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Eagles.
The hope was that McCord would beat out Dorian Thompson-Robinson for the QB3 spot in Philadelphia. But neither guy played well, and the Eagles decided to go elsewhere for thei spot.
In three preseason games, the former Syracuse quarterback completed 42.9 percent (24-of-56) of his passes for 191 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. It wasn’t a great showing by McCord, who looked like a rookie this past summer. However, he’ll get another chance to prove himself with the Packers. However, he’ll get another chance to prove himself with the Packers.
Meanwhile, the Lions will begin to figure out what they plan to do at QB2. Do they sign Zach Wilson? Or draft a QB like Drew Allar, Cade Klubnik in the spring? Those questions will be answered over the next several weeks.