Andy Dalton quarterback Philadelphia Eagles
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 30: Andy Dalton #14 of the Carolina Panthers looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Eagles made an out-of-the-blue trade on Wednesday when they traded for veteran three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Andy Dalton, giving up a 2027 seventh round pick in the process.
Adam Schefter
Trade: Panthers are trading veteran QB Andy Dalton to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round pick, per sources.
“Trade: Panthers are trading veteran QB Andy Dalton to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round pick, per sources.” Adam Schefter reported.
As a result, it would appear that the status of 2023 sixth round pick and Eagles QB2, Tanner McKee, could be up-in-the-air, given that Dalton would appear to be set to take up the primary backup role to Jalen Hurts – something that is already reflected on the team’s projected depth chart.
So it would seem that this could indicate that the Eagles are lining up to move off of McKee, who has become a fan-favorite with the organization over the course of his time in Philadelphia, which was voiced by ESPN’s Ben Solak.
Andy Dalton Trade Could See him Become QB2
“TANNER MCKEE ON THE MOVE??!?!” Solak wrote in all capital letters, in response to the trade news.
Dalton had been serving as the backup/bridge quarterback in Carolina ever since the team drafted Bryce Young with the first overall pick back in April 2023.
The former Cincinnati Bengal had always been solid in relief duty since being relegated to permanent backup status after his departure from Ohio, but it appears that the Panthers were willing to instead go ahead with their tandem of Young and new free agent pickup, ex-first round draft pick Kenny Pickett, who ironically also spent time with the Eagles.
Now back up North, Dalton will have a great opportunity to become the Eagles’ backup QB in 2026.
What Does This Trade Mean For Tanner McKee?
The Eagles have always liked having three quarterbacks on the roster who they legitimately trust in game situations.
The team operated last season with Sam Howell – formerly the starter in Washington – as their QB3 behind Hurts and McKee. And in 2024, McKee was the third stringer behind Pickett – with the pair having a close competition for the backup role during training camp.
Beyond general manager Howie Roseman’s general affinity for going double on quarterback insurance, this could also be a play to look beyond the 2026 season.
McKee put up an eye-popping performance against the New York Giants in the 2024 season finale, going 27/41 for 269 yards and two touchdowns. However, in the same game a year later in the loss to the Commanders, McKee completed barely 50% of his passes for 241 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
It’s possible that the Eagles’ brass were unimpressed with this work back in January, and with his contract set to expire in less than a year’s time, the team needed to look for another backup to serve the team in the short-medium term.
Given Howie’s love for having multiple quarterback on the roster, the writing is not on the wall for McKee. But if the team gets calls with the right offer, Roseman will have no qualms moving off the 25-year old.