The Tanner McKee Conundrum: A Bold Proposition for the Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles’ preseason, as it always does, has ignited a firestorm of debate, and at the center of it all is the unexpected brilliance of quarterback Tanner McKee. In the wake of a standout performance, the conversation has shifted from “can he be a solid backup?” to a far more provocative question: “what is his true value to the team?” My initial post, suggesting the Eagles should simply “listen to offers” for McKee, was met with a degree of predictable backlash. Some fans, blinded by the notion of a quality backup, missed the nuanced argument entirely. So, let me clarify for the people who might have missed the bigger picture: this isn’t about giving away a talented player; it’s about a strategic, high-minded approach to team building, a move that could potentially net the Eagles a significant return for a player who, by all accounts, they hope will never have to see the field.

Tanner McKee’s play in the preseason opener was nothing short of spectacular. He was poised, accurate, and a leader on the field, showcasing a skillset that looked a lot more like a potential NFL starter than a typical third-string or even second-string quarterback. His performance has, as I expected, created a buzz around the league. And that’s where the conversation needs to begin. When a player, especially at the most valuable position in the sport, elevates his play to that level, his value in the trade market skyrockets. My point was never that the Eagles should give McKee away for a late-round pick. It was that they should be open to a team, desperate for a quarterback, making an offer that is simply too good to refuse. A first-round pick, a high-caliber player at a position of need—these are the types of offers the Eagles should be prepared to consider.

The immediate reaction from some corners was to focus on the need for a quality backup. And yes, as long as McKee is on the sideline, the Eagles’ quarterback position is in good hands. He provides an invaluable sense of security behind Jalen Hurts. But here’s the fundamental truth of the backup quarterback position: it’s a role a team hopes never has to be filled. The goal is for the starter to be healthy and effective for all 17 games, and the playoffs. So, the question becomes a matter of opportunity cost. Is a great backup quarterback on the bench for an entire season more valuable than a high draft pick or a key player who will be on the field, actively contributing to the team’s success?

History provides a powerful argument for the latter. The Eagles, under the masterful direction of general manager Howie Roseman, have a long and successful history of leveraging quarterback assets to build a championship roster. Just consider the case of Derek Barnett and A.J. Brown. Both were key contributors to the Eagles’ Super Bowl runs, and both were acquired, in part, with draft picks that were originally obtained by trading away quarterbacks. The Carson Wentz trade, for example, netted the Eagles the picks that eventually led to players like DeVonta Smith and Jalen Carter, among others. Roseman is a master of this type of strategic asset management, and it’s precisely why he should be listening to offers for Tanner McKee.

The counter-argument, that the Eagles don’t have a replacement for McKee, also fails to hold water. This is an organization that is constantly evaluating talent. As the roster currently stands, the Eagles have four quarterbacks, including Jalen Hurts, McKee, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and rookie Kyle McCord. Even if McKee were to be traded, the team would still have a solid backup option in Thompson-Robinson, who has starting experience in the league. And if Howie Roseman felt the need to bring in another veteran, the market for backup quarterbacks is always there. The Eagles have a proven track record of finding and developing quarterbacks, and I have no doubt that they could find a suitable replacement for McKee if a trade were to happen.

The conversation that has since emerged on platforms like Eagles Post Game Live and WIP with Ike Reese, Spike Eskin, and Jack Fritz is a clear validation of my initial point. The topic is no longer a fringe theory; it’s a mainstream debate. The fact that respected media figures are discussing the possibility of a trade for McKee, and the potential value he could bring back, proves that his play has elevated his status beyond that of a simple backup.

In the end, this isn’t a simple “trade him or keep him” argument. It’s about recognizing the value of a unique asset and being open to maximizing that value for the good of the team. Tanner McKee is a fantastic quarterback, and his presence on the Eagles’ roster makes them a better, more secure team. But his value might be even greater as a trade chip, a piece of a larger puzzle that could help the Eagles acquire the players they need to win another Super Bowl. The time is now for the Eagles to listen, to evaluate, and to make a decision that is in the best long-term interests of the franchise.