Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee (16) calls a play against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium
Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Eagles have a pair of capable backup quarterbacks in Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton. But whoever earns the officially QB2 distinction will be entering 2026 with heightened responsibilities.
On Monday, it looked as if McKee is the leader in the clubhouse for the backup nod. He took QB2 reps in 11-on-11 while watching starting quarterback Jalen Hurts work intently, via Ashlyn Sullivan of NBC Philly.
“Tanner McKee getting backup second team reps in 11v11. McKee stood behind Jalen Hurts while first team was on the field walking through all the play calls,” Sullivan wrote. “Andy Dalton stood off to the side.”
Dalton does have much more experience on McKee, 15 years in the NFL compared to two. He may no longer be the player he once was, but the quarterback is a three-time Pro Bowler. And at this stage of their careers, McKee may be in more need of the tutelage than Dalton.
But the regular season is rapidly approaching. While Dalton is a veteran, he still has to lean the playbook under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. McKee is doing the same, but he is also in stride with Hurts at practice. Nothing will be officially until the depth chart comes out, but the Eagles are at least prioritizing McKee potentially having to work with the starters.
Over those two years, McKee has appeared in six games, going 1-1 in his two starts. He has thrown for 597 yards, five touchdowns and one interception, winning a Super Bowl with the franchise. The quarterback came up in trade rumors throughout the offseason, but the Eagles clearly value what he brings to the franchise.
McKee and Dalton will continue battling for the QB2 job until an announcement is made. Whoever is in the role must be fully locked in if Hurts were to ever go down.