Eagles trade for Sam Howell leaves Kyle McCord’s Philly future in doubt

The Eagles are at it again, making quarterback headlines in late August.

On Sunday, Philadelphia pulled the trigger on a deal for Sam Howell, shipping a fifth- and seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to secure the former Washington starter. The move gives the Birds an experienced backup behind Jalen Hurts, but it also leaves one big loser in the QB room: rookie Kyle McCord.

Eagles Quarterback Shuffle

The Eagles have been shuffling quarterbacks all summer long, trying to find the right mix of depth behind Hurts.

Howell, who already has NFL starts under his belt, instantly leaps ahead of McCord in the pecking order. Philly didn’t give up two draft picks just to stash Howell on the bench and keep a rookie developmental guy around.

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That’s bad news for McCord, who flashed in preseason action but now looks like the odd man out.

Let’s call it what it is: McCord’s Eagles future is bleak. The trade all but guarantees he won’t make the 53-man roster. At best, he’s practice squad bound. At worst, he’s searching for another team before Week 1 even kicks off.

The Syracuse product has talent and showed poise under center in spurts, but experience wins out in the NFL. Howell brings that. McCord doesn’t.

What This Means Moving Forward

The Eagles are built to win now, and every roster spot counts. With Hurts entrenched as the franchise guy, the team clearly wanted a proven backup who could step in and manage an offense loaded with weapons. Howell checks that box. McCord? He’s still in development mode, and Philly isn’t in the business of waiting around when the window to compete is wide open.

Eagles fans shouldn’t be shocked. This front office has been aggressive with roster moves all summer, and this is just another reminder that it’s Super Bowl or bust. Unfortunately for Kyle McCord, that means his dream of sticking with the Eagles might already be slipping away.