In the first two years of his career, Eagles backup quarterback Tanner McKee has impressed during the preseason and in two regular season appearances, making him a fascinating developmental project.
Even though Kenny Pickett, who was traded by the Eagles to the Cleveland Browns this offseason, was Philadelphia’s backup quarterback for the entire 2024 season, it was clear that McKee was the better player from the start of training camp to the end of the year.
In 2025, McKee will step into the No. 2 role behind starting quarterback Jalen Hurts — unless he gets traded.
The Eagles drafted Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, opening the door to a potential McKee trade. If the Eagles are offered good compensation for McKee, they should contemplate trading him before the season starts.
To consider moving on from McKee, the Eagles would have to see in training camp/preseason that McCord is ready to be a backup QB from Day 1. They also need to receive a trade package that makes the risk worthwhile.
McKee, who was selected by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2023 draft, has great size (6-6, 231 pounds) and good arm talent. Those traits could help him become one of the league’s best backups or a potential starter.
In 2024, McKee completed 30 of 45 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns. The Eagles might be able to win most of their games in a situation where McKee had to play for extended period.
The same can’t be said for McCord, who is an unproven commodity and might not have same level of upside.
After struggling as Ohio State’s starter in 2023, McCord improved his draft stock at Syracuse last year, finishing with the most passing yards (4,779) in the FBS. If he carries that momentum into his first preseason with the Eagles and plays close to McKee’s level, it could make things interesting, however, that shouldn’t be expected from him even though the Eagles are high on his long-term potential.
“What you see with Kyle is just his mind works very fast out there on the football field,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni told reporters after the draft. “He makes good quick decisions with the football. Accurate passer, led the country in passing yards this past season, but what really stands out again is just how quickly he moves through progressions and how quickly his mind works. So, just really excited to work with him.”
As a rookie, McCord won’t have the same command of Philadelphia’s offense that McKee has already demonstrated, so he would benefit from being the No. 3 QB this year.
Even if McCord shines this summer, it would still be surprising if the Eagles trusted him enough to make him the backup over McKee. The best scenario is the Eagles are impressed with McCord’s growth throughout the season and feel confident in him being the No. 2 QB in 2026, which would allow them to trade McKee next offseason.
The Eagles might struggle to find a trade partner for McKee this year, especially after the New Orleans Saints spent a second-round draft pick on Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough. Reuniting with Saints head coach Kellen Moore, who was the Eagles’ offensive coordinator last season, seemed like McKee’s best fit, but now that wouldn’t make much sense.
Most NFL teams already have their starting quarterback and top backup on the roster. At best, the Eagles would probably land a fourth or fifth-round draft pick in exchange for McKee, increasing the chances they hold onto him until next offseason.
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