Packers' Roster Shakeup: McCord Lands with Dolphins, Lloyd Earns Spot
The Packers made three trades and suspended Josh Jacobs as they trimmed to 53 players. Quarterback Kyle McCord, cut by Green Bay, was signed by Miami as their backup. Running back MarShawn Lloyd, who had minimal playing time in his first two seasons, secured a roster spot.
The Packers' final cutdown involved significant roster movement beyond standard releases, including three separate trades that reshaped the running back room. Kaleb Johnson arrived from Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick, while the team also parted with players in other deals. Josh Jacobs' placement on the Commissioner's Exempt List, described as a "don't-call-it-a-suspension," created immediate opportunity at the position.
Kyle McCord's path illustrates the volatility of roster decisions. After leading a comeback win over Arizona in the preseason finale, he was released by Green Bay but quickly claimed by Miami as their No. 2 quarterback. The financial stakes were substantial: practice squad pay for a rookie is roughly $247,000 over 18 weeks, while a 53-man roster spot guarantees at least $1.05 million. MarShawn Lloyd, who played just one game across two injury-plagued seasons, now finds himself as the starter.
This roster shakeup reflects the brutal economics and emotional toll of NFL cutdown day, affecting not just players but their families and communities. For fans, the moves signal the Packers' aggressive pursuit of depth at running back, which could shape their playoff fortunes. The McCord signing demonstrates how quickly opportunity can shift in professional sports, offering a reminder that careers hinge on timing as much as talent.