Kyle McCord Reportedly Released by Eagles Amid NFL Roster Cuts After Sam Howell Trade

The Philadelphia Eagles reportedly are releasing rookie quarterback Kyle McCord, according to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz.

The news doesn't come as a major surprise after the team acquired Sam Howell and a 2026 sixth-round pick from the Minnesota Vikings for a fifth-rounder in 2026 and seventh-rounder in 2027.

After the Eagles drafted McCord in the sixth round and landed Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the Kenny Pickett trade with the Cleveland Browns, it appeared the two would battle for a third-string position behind starter Jalen Hurts and backup Tanner McKee.

Neither player looked particularly good in the preseason, however.

McCord finished the preseason 24-of-56 for 191 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in three games, taking two sacks.

"It was all right, some good, some bad," McCord told reporters after struggling in the team's preseason finale as the only quarterback to play for the Eagles in a 19-17 win over the New York Jets. "Obviously, I wish I had a few reads back, a few throws back, but then at the same time I feel like there were some good plays, some good things that I did. I felt like we left some points on the field, but at the end of the day made enough plays to win. So definitely some positives but a lot to clear up, which is exciting."

Thompson-Robinson, meanwhile, finished the preseason 10-of-16 for 73 yards and an interception in two contests, taking one sack. He was released by the Eagles on Sunday.

Trading for Howell killed two birds with one stone for the Philly. One, he's an upgrade over both McCord and Thompson-Robinson. But two, he provides an experienced backup option for Hurts if McKee isn't ready for the start of the regular season due to a minor thumb fracture. McKee is expected to remain the backup once he's healthy.

If McCord clears waivers, the Eagles could bring him back on their practice squad, allowing him more time to develop. His time in Philadelphia might not be over, in other words. For now, however, his NFL future is up in the air.