The NFL offseason is always a chess match, especially when it comes to the most important position in the sport: quarterback. For the Philadelphia Eagles, that board is already in motion.
Jalen Hurts remains the franchise cornerstone, but behind him, there’s intrigue brewing-again-with Tanner McKee. As the Eagles prepare for another offseason of change, including yet another new offensive coordinator, it’s time to take a closer look at the state of Philly’s quarterback room.
Jalen Hurts: The Franchise Face, Still Climbing
Let’s start at the top. Jalen Hurts continues to prove he’s one of the league’s elite dual-threat quarterbacks.
In 2025, he completed 64.8% of his passes (294-of-454) for 3,224 yards, tossing 25 touchdowns against just six interceptions. Add in 421 rushing yards and eight rushing scores, and Hurts posted 33 total touchdowns-good for sixth in the NFL.
That’s a club that includes names like Matthew Stafford (46), Josh Allen (39), Trevor Lawrence (38), Drake Maye (35), and Jared Goff (34). Not bad company to keep.
But here’s where it gets really impressive: Hurts is now one of just five quarterbacks since 2000 to notch 30+ total touchdowns in four straight seasons. The others?
Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, and Russell Wilson. That’s Hall of Fame-level consistency.
And while the Eagles didn’t repeat as champions, Hurts did make history. He became the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl while earning more than $50 million per year-a mark that had previously eluded even Patrick Mahomes, whose average annual salary sits at $45 million.
Hurts is entering year three of the five-year, $255 million extension he signed back in 2023. His $51.5 million salary for 2026 is fully guaranteed, and he’ll carry a cap hit just shy of $32 million next season.
After that, things get even more expensive, with cap hits north of $42 million in 2027 and $47 million in 2028.
That looming financial commitment could prompt the Eagles to explore a contract restructure or extension to create future cap flexibility. But for now, Hurts is locked in-both contractually and as the leader of this team.
Tanner McKee: A Trade Chip or the Next Big Thing?
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Tanner McKee, the 2023 sixth-round pick out of Stanford, is once again drawing attention.
Nearly a year ago, McKee stepped into the spotlight and didn’t flinch, showing enough poise and promise to make evaluators around the league take notice. Fast-forward to the 2025 season finale, and McKee found himself starting with a chance to help the Eagles secure the No. 2 seed-pending a Bears loss.
His stat line? 21-of-40 for one touchdown, one interception, and a passer rating of 68.9.
Not exactly eye-popping, but context matters. The moment was big, the stakes were high, and McKee held his own.
It wasn’t the electric debut we saw earlier in 2024, but it was another data point for a young quarterback who’s still developing.
With several teams expected to be in the market for quarterback help this offseason, McKee could emerge as a valuable trade asset. He’s young, cost-controlled, and has shown flashes of starter-level potential.
Whether the Eagles want to hold onto him as a premium backup-or flip him for draft capital-remains to be seen. But make no mistake: teams are watching.
Sam Howell: Depth Move or Development Project?
The Eagles also brought in Sam Howell via trade from Minnesota, a move that came just hours after Carson Wentz worked out for the Vikings ahead of roster cuts. Howell didn’t see the field in the regular season, but his addition was clearly about depth and insurance.
A fourth-year quarterback with starting experience, Howell gives the Eagles another option behind Hurts and McKee. Whether he’s part of the long-term picture or simply a placeholder heading into training camp, his presence adds another layer to an already intriguing quarterback room.
Final Thoughts
The Eagles are in an enviable position. They have their franchise quarterback locked in, a promising young backup who could become a hot trade commodity, and a veteran option for added stability. That’s not just depth-it’s leverage.
As the NFL offseason kicks into gear, don’t be surprised if Tanner McKee’s name pops up in trade rumors. And don’t be shocked if the Eagles, always thinking two steps ahead, use that depth to their advantage. The arms race never stops-and in Philly, the quarterback factory is still humming.