Eagles Rumors: Tanner McKee named backup QB teams should pursue ahead of NFL regular season

In March, Philadelphia traded for the Steelers’ outcasted quarterback Kenny Pickett, giving the Eagles an experienced backup behind Jalen Hurts.

The 2020 first-round pick started 24 games for Pittsburgh, throwing for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Pickett entered training camp as the solidified QB2 despite Tanner McKee displaying flashes of brilliance dating back to last summer.

McKee carried that momentum into camp this year, looking more comfortable in the offense while Pickett was finding his footing.

As the weeks went on, McKee worked his way into the second-team offense, leading many to wonder if the Stanford product was beginning to overtake Pickett as QB2.

The preseason didn’t help Pickett’s case, as McKee made play after play (albeit against practice squad players) while Pickett struggled to move the ball.

Bleacher Report recently released 6 Backup QBs Teams Should Be Pursuing in Trades After 2024 NFL Preseason and named Tanner McKee as a potential target.

McKee is a young, second-year quarterback with significant promise but stuck on a roster behind a legitimate franchise quarterback and a former first-round draft pick.

The sophomore signal-caller has played well during preseason action. His second apperance was particularly good by completing 15-of-19 passes for 140 yards. McKee stands tall in the pocket and delivers the football. But Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni already established the Eagles’ quarterback pecking order even after that effort.

“Kenny is our No. 2, Tanner is our No. 3,” Sirianni said, “and I’m really happy that both of those guys are on the roster.”

McKee presents upside. As a late-round pick, he’s a lottery ticket. Sometimes, lottery tickets hit. A team in desperate need of a quarterback could do worse than investing in McKee’s potential.

McKee showed more promise than Marcus Mariota last summer as a rookie and is now outplaying Kenny Pickett this year. He’s the clear QB2, despite what Nick Sirianni may say to reporters.

It’s tough to see Howie Roseman giving up a gifted, young QB he drafted two years ago, but if a team comes calling with an enticing offer, he may consider it.

Tanner McKee with a dime to the sideline 🎯

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— NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2024

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