Eagles' QB Dilemma: To Trade or Not to Trade Tanner McKee?
As the NFL Scouting Combine kicks off, the Philadelphia Eagles are faced with a pressing question: Should they trade Tanner McKee? Howie Roseman, the executive vice president of football operations, is likely mulling over this decision as he and his team head to Indianapolis.
Before departing, Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni addressed reporters, touching on various offseason topics. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around wide receiver A.J.
Brown. While both expressed their admiration for Brown, they remained open to listening to trade offers for the Pro Bowl wideout.
When it came to McKee, however, Roseman was notably reserved. The backup quarterback has garnered league-wide interest due to the current demand for starting-caliber QBs far exceeding the supply. With two seasons under his belt and two years left on his contract, McKee is a hot commodity.
Roseman, when asked about the potential trade market for McKee, kept his cards close to his chest. "Important position in this league, in sports," he remarked, expressing his confidence in McKee without delving into specifics. His brief response contrasted with the more detailed answers about Brown, suggesting a strategic silence on McKee’s future.
Pressed further, Roseman maintained his stance. "I can't speak to what everyone else thinks of our players," he said, emphasizing the team's confidence in McKee as a backup quarterback. He reiterated his openness to considering offers, leaving the door ajar for potential trades.
McKee's journey began with a notable debut in Week 17 of 2024 against Dallas, stepping in for an injured Kenny Pickett. He completed 3 of 4 passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns, following up with a strong performance against the Giants. Despite a less stellar outing this season behind a second-string offensive line, McKee has demonstrated a strong, accurate arm since being drafted in the sixth round from Stanford.
Yet, trading McKee would leave the Eagles with a dilemma. With no other quarterbacks under contract after Jalen Hurts and McKee, the team would need to invest in a veteran backup for 2026, or risk drafting a QB who might not be ready to step up immediately.
The broader quarterback market adds another layer to this decision. Several teams, including the Dolphins, Jets, Raiders, Browns, Colts, Steelers, Cardinals, Falcons, Vikings, and Panthers, face uncertainty at the QB position. While some, like the Raiders, are expected to draft top prospects, others remain in limbo.
The free-agent quarterback pool offers names like Kirk Cousins, Malik Willis, Aaron Rodgers, Daniel Jones, and Kyler Murray, among others. However, many of these options come with questions about performance, injury history, or age.
For teams like the Jets, with multiple early draft picks, McKee presents an intriguing option. Would they prefer to trade for a promising young QB like McKee, or invest heavily in a veteran like Murray?
The Eagles' decision on McKee could have significant implications for their future. Roseman's cautious approach suggests he’s weighing all options carefully. Whether McKee stays or goes, the Eagles' quarterback situation will be a storyline to watch this offseason.