The Philadelphia Eagles have never been shy about working the trade market under GM Howie Roseman - and with another offseason on the horizon, one potential deal is starting to make a lot of sense.
Tanner McKee, the Eagles’ young backup quarterback, has quietly become one of the more intriguing names floating around the NFL rumor mill. He’s still on a rookie deal, has flashed enough to draw interest, and could be viewed as either a high-upside backup or a developmental starter in the right system. According to a recent discussion on NFL Daily, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell floated a trade scenario that would send McKee to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for edge rusher Nick Herbig - a move that could benefit both sides in a big way.
“If you need a Tanner McKee and you knew someone who obsesses over edge rushing talent, would you not call the Eagles and say, Nick Herbig, Tanner McKee - two guys on rookie deals - you get a cost-controlled player for another year, who had phenomenal pass rushing numbers, and we get our quarterback of the future?” Barnwell said.
And honestly, it’s hard to argue with the logic.
Why This Makes Sense for the Eagles
Let’s start with Herbig. The former fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin just wrapped up his most productive season in Pittsburgh, stepping in for an injured T.J.
Watt and delivering in a big way. In 15 games, Herbig racked up 30 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 18 QB hits, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, an interception, and even a defensive touchdown.
That’s not just solid rotational production - that’s impact-level play from a guy still on a rookie deal.
For a Philadelphia defense that’s looking to get younger and more cost-effective, Herbig would be a perfect fit. He’s explosive off the edge, plays with relentless energy, and would give the Eagles a much-needed injection of youth in the pass rush department. With free agency looming and the possibility of a big-money deal for someone like Jaelan Phillips on the table, a trade like this could give Philly the flexibility to address other areas of need - or double down in the draft.
And that’s the other layer here: if the Eagles can land Herbig, they could still use one of their early picks in the 2026 NFL Draft on a top-tier edge rusher, building a young, affordable core on defense that can grow together over the next few seasons. That’s exactly the kind of long-term roster construction Roseman has thrived on.
What Pittsburgh Gets in McKee
On the flip side, the Steelers would be betting on McKee’s upside - and there’s plenty to like. At 6’6” with a strong arm and a cerebral approach to the position, McKee has the physical tools and mental makeup teams look for in a developmental quarterback. He’s not a finished product, but in the right situation, he could absolutely push for a starting job.
In Pittsburgh, that opportunity could come sooner rather than later. Whether it’s competing with Will Howard or sitting behind a veteran like Aaron Rodgers (if he returns), McKee would have a clear path to meaningful reps - and possibly the starting role in 2027. For a team that’s still searching for long-term stability at quarterback, it’s a calculated swing worth taking.
What This Means for Philly’s QB Room
Of course, moving McKee would leave the Eagles needing to reload at quarterback behind Jalen Hurts. That likely means targeting a developmental passer in the second or third round of the upcoming draft - someone who can grow behind Hurts while providing insurance for the future. It’s not a pressing need, but it’s one Roseman would need to address quickly if McKee is dealt.
Still, if this trade - or something close to it - is on the table, it’s the kind of move that fits perfectly with how the Eagles operate. It’s smart, forward-thinking, and balances short-term needs with long-term planning. Both teams would be dealing from positions of strength, and both could walk away with a player who better fits their current trajectory.
If Roseman gets this call, don’t be surprised if he picks up the phone - and makes it happen fast.