Dolphins Shake Up QB Room: Waive Mark Gronowski, Acquire Kyle McCord from Packers

As the Miami Dolphins finalize their 53-man roster ahead of the 2026 season, the quarterback room has undergone a dramatic overhaul. In a move that underscores the new regime's connection to Green Bay, the Dolphins have agreed to trade a 2028 sixth-round pick to the Packers for quarterback Kyle McCord, according to reports confirmed by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk. To make room, Miami will waive Mark Gronowski, who is expected to clear waivers and join the practice squad.

A New Era in Miami

The Dolphins' front office, now led by former Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, has wasted no time tapping into their Green Bay connections. McCord, who signed a futures contract with the Packers in January, arrives in Miami with no practice or preseason reps with his new team. Yet, he is expected to serve as the primary backup to starting quarterback Malik Willis. The move signals confidence in McCord's potential, despite his limited familiarity with Miami's offensive system.

Quarterback Carousel Continues

This transaction is the latest in a whirlwind week for Miami's signal-callers. Earlier, Quinn Ewers was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cam Miller was waived. With Gronowski now being waived, the Dolphins will have only two quarterbacks on their active roster: Willis and McCord. Coach Hafley had indicated on Saturday that keeping two quarterbacks was likely, but the rapid turnover has left the depth chart in flux.

“We're excited about the competition and the talent we're bringing in,” Hafley said. “Kyle has the tools to succeed at this level, and we're confident he'll pick up the system quickly.”

What This Means for the Season

For the Dolphins, the move is a calculated gamble. McCord, a former standout at Ohio State and Syracuse, has shown flashes of brilliance but remains unproven at the NFL level. Meanwhile, Gronowski, who impressed during training camp, will likely be stashed on the practice squad, providing depth and insurance. As the season opener approaches, all eyes will be on Miami's revamped quarterback room to see if this gamble pays off.

According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Dolphins are banking on McCord's arm talent and football IQ to complement Willis's mobility, creating a dynamic duo that could surprise opponents. However, with no practice reps together, the coaching staff faces a steep learning curve in integrating McCord before Week 1.