Overview
- Andy Dalton has struggled in the preseason, completing 6-of-16 passes across two starts, and is widely viewed as a likely trade or release candidate if he does not decisively outperform in the preseason finale.
- Tanner McKee has outpaced Dalton in camp and preseason action, completing roughly 68.8% of his passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns in the early games, which has shifted the internal preference to McKee as QB2.
- Rookie fifth-round pick Cole Payton is expected to remain the team's QB3, giving the Eagles a youthful developmental option behind Hurts and McKee.
- Radio hosts have floated external trade targets such as J.J. McCarthy and Anthony Richardson, but analysts warn those moves would carry costly rookie contracts and roster implications that make such trades unlikely.
- With the Aug. 30 cutdown approaching, general manager Howie Roseman must weigh short-term insurance at quarterback against the need to use roster spots for receiver, edge and special-teams depth, a choice that could shape the Eagles' week-one depth and injury risk management.