Ex-Penn State football QB Trace McSorley earns next NFL opportunity

The road of opportunity continues for former Penn State football quarterback Trace McSorley. Just when it seemed that his NFL career could be coming to a close, news appeared on Tuesday afternoon that the former Nittany Lion was close to inking a deal with the Washington Commanders. Now, that deal has been signed and McSorley has picked up his next shot in the NFL.

Trace McSorley last played for the Pittsburgh Steelers as a member of their practice squad. He was signed in December of 2023 and released in January of 2024. Since then, he has been working hard to stay ready for his next NFL opportunity, and on Wednesday that opportunity appeared.

First reported by Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan, the Washington Commanders were working towards signing McSorley. Paulsen shared the scenario on Twitter / X.

“The Commanders are working toward signing QB Trace McSorley ahead of Saturday night’s preseason game in Miami. Sam Hartman is likely out which means McSorely could even play against the Dolphins.

It was later confirmed by Nicki Jhabvala who covers the Commanders for the Washington Post that the Commanders did in fact sign McSorley.

The Commanders are signing QB Trace McSorley, per source (1st by @granthpaulsen). He played for Kliff Kingsbury in Arizona from 2021-22.

Sam Hartman is dealing with a right shoulder injury and Dan Quinn said if Hartman didn’t practice this week (he hasn’t) he wouldn’t play…

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 14, 2024

Work at Penn State paid off?

Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

While Trace McSorley has been staying ready for this next NFL opportunity his workouts have taken him back to his roots. McSorley appeared multiple times in videos posted by QB trainer Brad Maendler who primarily works with Nittany Lion gunslingers Drew Allar and Ethan Grunkemeyer.

Dudes making it rain! #WeAre #QBX🎯💪🌪 pic.twitter.com/4YX2ZRpTmJ

— Brad Maendler (@BradMaendler) July 17, 2024

Most recently, McSorley was in Happy Valley working with Allar and Grunkemeyer on July 17 according to Maendler’s Twitter / X profile. He was selected in the 6th round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.

During his NFL career, he has spent time with the Ravens from 2019-2021. Then, was signed by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 and he stayed with the organization for the 2022 season. Last year he signed with the Patriots but was cut before the season began. He later appeared with the Bears and Steelers as members of their practice squad.