The Green Bay Packers released undrafted free agent quarterback Kyron Drones on Saturday, trimming their roster after the first week of the preseason.
Packers insider Easton Butler reported the move on X, writing: “The Packers released QB Kyron Drones.”
ESPN Packers reporter Rob Demovsky confirmed the transaction shortly afterward, noting the current quarterback depth chart consists of starter Jordan Love, veteran Tyrod Taylor and Kyle McCord.
Drones, a dual-threat prospect out of Virginia Tech, struggled in his only preseason appearance Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He completed 0 of 1 pass attempt and was sacked three times while operating with the fourth-team offense in a 28-9 loss.
The release comes less than four months after the Packers signed Drones as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL draft. Green Bay had hosted him on a top-30 pre-draft visit and viewed the athletic quarterback as a developmental option behind Love.
At 6-foot-2 and 226 pounds, Drones ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds at his pro day and posted a Relative Athletic Score of 9.58. He arrived with a reputation for arm talent and mobility that drew comparisons to former Packers backup Malik Willis.
During three seasons as the starter at Virginia Tech after transferring from Baylor, Drones threw for 5,566 yards and 44 touchdowns with 18 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,798 yards and 20 scores, finishing his Hokies career with 66 total touchdowns.
In 2025 alone, Drones completed 56.5 percent of his passes for 1,919 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding significant production on the ground. He served as a team captain in both 2024 and 2025.
The Packers signed Taylor in early May to serve as Love’s primary backup after Willis departed in free agency for a starting opportunity with the Miami Dolphins. Taylor, a 16-year veteran, brings extensive experience as both a starter and reserve across multiple teams.
McCord, a 2025 sixth-round pick originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, outperformed Drones in the preseason opener. McCord completed 12 of 16 passes for 102 yards and guided two drives that ended in field goals.
Drones’ departure leaves the Packers with three quarterbacks on the active roster for the remainder of the preseason. Teams typically carry two or three signal-callers into the regular season, with the third often landing on the practice squad.
Born July 24, 2003, in Houston, Drones starred at Shadow Creek High School, where he passed for 5,257 yards and 71 touchdowns and rushed for 1,300 yards and 23 scores. His older maternal cousin is Cam Ward, the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
The move reflects the competitive nature of roster battles in training camp, particularly at a premium position where only limited spots are available. Drones now becomes a free agent and could attract interest from other clubs seeking developmental depth or practice squad candidates ahead of final cuts.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has emphasized building depth behind Love while maintaining flexibility. With Taylor providing veteran stability and McCord showing promise in limited action, the organization elected to move on from the Virginia Tech product after evaluating him through the first preseason contest.
