A CFL team called dibs on new Packers’ QB Kyron Drones

TL;DR

The Montreal Alouettes have added QB Kyron Drones to their negotiation list, giving them priority if he becomes available. Drones recently signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted rookie, making a CFL move unlikely for now.

Key points

Kyron Drones added to Montreal Alouettes' negotiation list
Drones signed with Green Bay Packers as undrafted rookie
CFL minimum salary is significantly lower than NFL minimum

Montreal AlouettesGreen Bay PackersKyron Drones

BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA - OCTOBER 26: Kyron Drones #1 of the Virginia Tech Hokies after a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Lane Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images) | Getty Images Back on January 28th, the Montreal Alouettes added Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones to their negotiation list, which is the process that the Canadian Football League has to allocate American players to its teams. For those unaware, each CFL team can place up to 45 players on their negotiation list, giving them “dibs” on these players if they ever become available to sign in the league. These lists had always been behind the scenes until July of 2025, when the league finally made negotiation lists fully public for the first time. The CFL minimum is $70,000 (Canadian), roughly $50,000 USD. For perspective, the NFL minimum is $885,000 (for a full season) and practice squad players make $247,500 over 18 weeks. In the UFL, players make $64,000 for a 10-game season. So it doesn’t make sense for Drones to head up north anytime soon, after he signed an undrafted rookie contract with the Green Bay Packers over the weekend. If he ever does, though, his first stop will be in Montreal. Interestingly, a good amount of the Packers’ pre-draft visitors this cycle were on CFL negotiation lists. leaned into undrafted free agent recruiting with its 30 visits this cycle, but many of these projected UDFAs ended up getting drafted on Day 3. This was the case for Texas Tech quarterback (Calgary), East Carolina receiver Anthony Smith (Montreal), Washington defensive tackle Anterior Thompson (Winnipeg) and Wake Forest cornerback Karon Prunty (Winnipeg). Another visitor on CFL negotiation lists, and who was signed by the as a UDFA, was New Mexico running back Damon Bankston. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Packers (and other clubs in the NFL) are now using the CFL’s negotiation list as a way to spot potential hidden gems in the draft. For perspective, all of the players listed above were added to negotiation lists well before the combine or these players’ respective pro days. In other CFL negotiation list news, two of the Packers’ three most recent cuts have made the list. Green Bay cut three players when they began Phase 1 of their offseason program: tight end , linebacker Jamon Johnson (given an injury designation) and cornerback Tyron Herring. Both Johnson and Herring were added to Hamilton’s negotiation list following their release, while Castles hasn’t received any burn.

Q&A

What is the CFL negotiation list and how does it work?

The CFL negotiation list allows teams to allocate American players by placing up to 45 on a list, giving them priority to sign these players if they become available.

Why did Kyron Drones sign with the Green Bay Packers instead of the CFL?

Kyron Drones signed with the Packers as an undrafted rookie, where the NFL minimum salary is significantly higher than the CFL's, making a move to Canada unlikely for him at this time.

Which other players from the Packers' pre-draft visits are on CFL negotiation lists?

Several players from the Packers' pre-draft visits, including Behren Morton and Anthony Smith, were on CFL negotiation lists, highlighting the NFL's interest in scouting potential talent from the CFL.