Eagles backup QB already projected to get the boot for a rookie

With Eagles training camp just weeks away, the quarterback room in Philadelphia is already starting to shake out—at least according to some early roster projections. And if you’re buying what The Sporting News’ Ryan O’Leary is selling, then recently acquired quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson might already be packing his bags.

O’Leary dropped his 53-man roster projection and, in true Eagles fashion, kept three quarterbacks. No shocker here—Jalen Hurts is QB1, and that ain’t changing anytime soon. But what raised some eyebrows was the fact that DTR didn’t even make the cut. Instead, it was Tanner McKee and rookie Kyle McCord backing up Hurts heading into 2025.

Funny enough, Eagles rookie Kyle McCord trained with the same QB coach as DTR

Kyle McCord has been "the guy" for most of his career

He'll now join the Eagles QB room with Tanner McKee and Dorian Thompson-Robinson behind Jalen Hurts

He trained with the same QB coach as DTR this offseason, and is excited to "be a sponge" and be mentored by Hurts: https://t.co/WzKTN3Fx57 pic.twitter.com/BR0EYiUIkB

— Ashley Wenskoski (@AshleyWenskTV) April 27, 2025

Projected Quarterback Room:

• Jalen Hurts
• Tanner McKee
• Kyle McCord

Notable cut: Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

Let me just say this now—this has to be the year that Eagles backup QB legend Tanner McKee officially locks down the QB2 spot. I don’t care if Dorian Thompson-Robinson gets cut, traded, or plays hero ball in preseason—Tanner McKee is the guy.

He’s done nothing but prove he can sling the rock at an NFL level. He’s got size, touch, pocket presence, and the confidence of a guy who will always be ready when his number is called.

Is he a future starter in this league? That’s a bigger convo. But knowing Howie Roseman, don’t be shocked if McKee builds up his preseason stock again and suddenly some desperate QB-needy franchise throws a Day 2 pick our way just for the chance to see him in a different uniform. That’s just what Howie does.

DTR Might Be Done Before He Even Got Started

The Eagles acquired Dorian Thompson-Robinson back in March in the Kenny Pickett deal with the Browns. At the time, it felt like a sneaky move—get a dual-threat backup with some upside and toss in a 2025 fifth-rounder.

But here’s the reality: DTR never had much of a shot. Last year in Cleveland, he started two games and barely completed 50% of his passes. Zero touchdowns, six interceptions, and most of his “highlights” came from scrambling for his life.

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Now you add in sixth-round pick Kyle McCord, a Philly native who threw for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns last year at Syracuse, and the writing’s on the wall. McCord has the arm talent, the numbers, and most importantly—the hometown pressure behind him. He’ll push hard in camp.

So whether or not DTR makes the roster doesn’t really move the needle. The only question is whether McCord impresses enough to stash as a developmental QB3, or if the Eagles just roll the dice and hope he clears waivers.

We’ll keep our eyes on this rookie-vs-veteran camp showdown when the pads come on July 22. But don’t be surprised if it’s already a done deal.

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