Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
Last week, when it was announced that Jalen Hurts would miss Week 6 with a blood clot, the Philadelphia Eagles’ initial hope was that his absence wouldn’t last long. Then came the news that the team’s struggling franchise quarterback would hit injured reserve, causing him to miss four games. A four-game stretch seems like something Tanner McKee and/or rookie Cole Payton could navigate.
Now that it’s announced that Hurts will miss the remainder of the season, it’s time to re-evaluate the Eagles’ QB depth chart the rest of the way. Here are five potential short-term fixes, including a solution that could become the next franchise QB.
Related: 5 NFL Trades That Could Happen Before Week 7
Shedeur Sanders
NFL: Cleveland Browns at New York Jets5
Oct 11, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) warms up before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Sure, Howie Roseman could have taken Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft. Though adding him just two months after Jalen Hurts won a Super Bowl probably would have been bad optics, especially when the team was looking to repeat as champions. Yet, adding the son of Deion Sanders now would inject some intrigue into an Eagles franchise that’s losing luster by the week.
Related: Week 7 NFL Defense Rankings: Eagles Descend and Chiefs Ascend; Week 7 Fantasy D/ST Rankings
Jacoby Brissett
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams5
Oct 18, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) looks to pass in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
It may not be the most exciting option on this list, but Jacoby Brissett has at least shown he’s capable of leading an effective passing attack, averaging 240.4 yards per game last season. That’s more than Hurts has averaged in all but six of his seasons as a starter. Plus, the Eagles could likely get him for a later Day 3 pick. If nothing else, Brissett should give the Eagles a better chance at seriously evaluating their pass-catchers with a capable passer like Brissett.
Mac Jones
NFL: Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers5
Oct 4, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) jogs onto the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Would the San Francisco 49ers trade their valuable backup in a season where they look like they’re poised for a deep playoff run? It would likely take an offer too good to refuse. Though with Mac Jones set for free agency this offseason, 49ers GM John Lynch may be willing to accept a third-round pick, for example, because the 49ers wouldn’t get anything more than that via the compensatory pick formula, and even then, that pick wouldn’t convey until 2028, and they may want the draft capital available now. Plus, if Jones is someone the Eagles are hoping to chase in free agency, they can get a head start on evaluating whether he can be a long-term piece of their core now, which would help determine how much they’re willing to pay this offseason.
Related: Week 7 NFL Power Rankings: Browns Leap Ahead While Rams Fall Flat
Kirk Cousins
NFL: Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders5
Oct 18, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks to throw in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
Suddenly, the Las Vegas Raiders have lost three games in a row, and their playoff hopes are starting to fade. Though, that’s no fault of four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins, who is in a first-place tie for the most passing touchdowns in the NFL. While the Raiders would likely prefer to keep their quarterback who’s been thriving in Klint Kubiak’s system, especially because he’s undoubtedly been a valued locker room piece for rookie Fernando Mendoza, it’s also not unfeasible to think they want to start evaluating their No. 1 overall pick.
Related: NFL Week 6: Biggest Winners and Losers, Including the Cleveland Browns and Mike McDaniel
Justin Herbert
NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs5
Oct 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Hurts wasn’t exactly thriving before the injury, and the team had already been selling off valued parts of the roster. Could Roseman have been preparing to make a bigger trade to secure a different franchise QB? Crazier things have happened, and the Eagles’ GM has been known to make bold moves, including for quarterbacks he covets. Could the uber-talented Justin Herbert be his next target? There’s a belief that it would take a couple of first-round picks to get it done; is that a price that the 0-6 Los Angeles Chargers would nibble at?