Eagles Quarterback Room: Who Stays, Who Goes in 2026?
As the Eagles begin shaping their 2026 roster, the quarterback room is one of the more intriguing areas to watch. With decisions looming on depth and development, the team faces a mix of contract situations, performance evaluations, and future planning. Let’s break down where things stand with each QB currently on the roster - and what might come next.
Sam Howell - Likely the End of the Road in Philly
Sam Howell’s time in Philadelphia looks like it’ll be short-lived. The Eagles brought him in last August when Tanner McKee was sidelined with a fractured thumb, and Howell slotted in as the backup early in the season. But he never saw the field in 2025, and now, at 25 years old and heading into free agency, Howell’s future likely lies elsewhere.
This is a quarterback who started 17 games for Washington in 2023 - so he’s not without experience. But he hasn’t thrown a pass in a regular-season game since 2024, and it’s hard to imagine a scenario where he’d want to return as a third-string option behind Jalen Hurts and McKee.
Even if the Eagles were to move McKee, it feels more probable they’d look for a different developmental piece rather than run it back with Howell. He’s still young and has enough tape to draw interest as a backup elsewhere, and that’s likely the best path for both sides.
Verdict: Goes
Jalen Hurts - The Franchise Anchor Remains
There’s no drama here - Jalen Hurts isn’t going anywhere. He’s heading into his sixth season as the Eagles’ starting quarterback, a milestone only four other QBs in franchise history have reached: Donovan McNabb, Ron Jaworski, Norm Snead, and Randall Cunningham. That’s elite company, and it speaks to the stability Hurts has brought to the position.
Now, was 2025 Hurts’ best year? No.
He completed 64.8% of his passes for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions - solid numbers, but his 7.1 yards per attempt was the lowest of his career. More noticeably, his impact as a runner dipped.
His rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns were all down. Whether that was due to a shift in coaching philosophy or a more cautious approach by Hurts himself, it was clear the offense wasn’t maximizing one of its most dynamic weapons.
A big part of that falls on Kevin Patullo’s offense, which never quite clicked. The good news?
Hurts will have a new offensive coordinator in 2026. And while that means yet another system to learn, it might actually be a blessing.
The Eagles need to build an offense that leans into what Hurts does best - his dual-threat ability, his leadership, and his decision-making under pressure. If they get that right, Hurts is still very much the guy who can lead this team deep into January.
Verdict: Stays
Tanner McKee - Still in the Mix, But Clock’s Ticking
Tanner McKee’s situation is a little more complicated. He’s 25, entering the final year of his rookie deal, and while he still has some upside, his most recent audition didn’t do him any favors.
In Week 18 against the Commanders, McKee got his second career start. With playoff seeding on the line - even if the starters were resting - the Eagles were hoping their backups could get it done.
McKee finished 21-of-40 for 241 yards, a touchdown, and a pick. Not a disaster, but not the kind of performance that boosts your trade value either.
The Eagles have to weigh two things here: Do they believe McKee can be a long-term backup (or more), and is there a market for him now? He’s 6-foot-6 with a strong arm and some poise, but he’s also a former sixth-round pick with one career win.
If a team comes calling with a strong offer, Philly would have to consider it. But realistically, that offer probably isn’t coming.
Unless someone blows them away with a trade proposal, McKee likely sticks around for one more season. The backup QB spot is too important to leave to chance, and unless the Eagles have a clear plan to replace him, moving McKee doesn’t make much sense right now.
Verdict: Stays
Final Thoughts
The Eagles’ quarterback room heading into 2026 looks familiar - and stable at the top. Jalen Hurts remains the franchise centerpiece, and Tanner McKee is likely still the No. 2, barring a surprise trade. Sam Howell, meanwhile, probably looks for a fresh start elsewhere.
There’s still plenty of offseason ahead, but for now, the Eagles look set to run it back with their current QB hierarchy - with one eye on development and the other on maximizing Hurts’ potential in a new offensive system.