Eagles should pump the brakes on any Tanner McKee trade talk following Landon Dickerson’s injury

One day after Landon Dickerson’s meniscus injury sent 50,000 Eagles fans at The Linc into panic mode, the “What should Howie do?” scenarios are already flying.

The Eagles’ offensive line depth suddenly feels a little thinner, the secondary still has some questions, and yes, the idea of flipping Tanner McKee for immediate help has entered the conversation.

Read More: Landon Dickerson Update: Meniscus Injury and what this means >>

On paper, the logic makes sense.

Tanner McKee’s stock has never been higher. In the preseason opener, the kid looked like he was interviewing for a starting gig somewhere, completing 20-of-25 passes, 252 yards, two passing touchdowns, one Tush Push score, and a 135.3 rating in just over a half. Against Cincinnati’s starters, he went 5-for-6 for 73 yards and a rushing TD. He shredded backups for dessert.

Tanner McKee was dominant in Week 1 of the preseason

Tanner McKee was PFF's highest-graded quarterback in Week 1 of the preseason. pic.twitter.com/QBk0oJbuhS

— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) August 11, 2025

Quarterback-needy teams are everywhere. The Saints are rolling out Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener. The Colts are watching Anthony Richardson get hurt again. Even the Browns have a logjam of question marks. It’s not crazy to think McKee could walk into one of those situations and start Week 1.

None of those teams are coughing up a young, plug-and-play Pro Bowl-caliber guard or a shutdown safety in return. Even if they could, you’d be risking one of the Eagles’ most valuable roster traditions in having a backup QB who can actually win you games.

Trading McKee for a “maybe” isn’t just unnecessary, it’s reckless.

Jalen Hurts has missed at least one game in three of his four years as a starter. Philly is 3-2 without him, and those wins didn’t happen by accident. Gardner Minshew in 2021 and Kenny Pickett last year helped save the season when called upon. In a loaded NFC, you can’t punt on a game or two because your QB2 is a practice squad project.

So yeah, Dickerson’s injury hurts, and the secondary depth isn’t perfect. Jeff Stoutland has made a living out of getting offensive lines through rough patches. The secondary has enough playmakers to hold its own.

Keep the Mormon Missile right where he is. If the Eagles need him, they’ll be glad they did.

Join The Chase