The Eagles’ latest trade has ‘nothing to do with’ this QB’s future

PHOENIX — When the Philadelphia Eagles traded for veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, some assumed the end was near for backup (and trade chip) Tanner McKee.

General manager Howie Roseman doesn’t see it that way.

Roseman said the Eagles acquiring Dalton “has nothing to do with” McKee’s future in Philadelphia.

“Independent of Tanner, we’ve talked about how much we like Tanner, we thought it was a good opportunity for us to bring in Andy,” Roseman said Sunday at the NFL owners meetings. “He’s a guy who we’ve known for a long time. He’s a guy that’s going to add a lot, on and off the field.”

Dalton was acquired last week from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round pick.

Dalton, 38, is under contract with the Eagles for the 2026 season. He’s set to make $3.9 million — but a significant chunk of that will be paid by the Panthers.

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Roseman said he and the Eagles have liked and watched Dalton “for a long time.” The 2011 second-round pick out of TCU will be entering his 16th NFL season. He has amassed 39,793 passing yards, 254 touchdowns and 151 interceptions in 179 games played.

That experience will be “additive” to the QB room, now run by assistant coach Parks Frazier — who notably worked with Dalton in Carolina in 2023.

The question of how the acquisition of Dalton could affect McKee is understandable.

McKee, the 2023 sixth-rounder who has flashed when given the opportunity, has been the subject of trade speculation. Last month, there was reported interest from the New York Jets in acquiring the 25-year-old signal-caller.

If the Eagles were to trade McKee, the time would be now. McKee is on the last year of his rookie contract.

But that reality — and the addition of Dalton — won’t force Roseman to trade away McKee.

Roseman said he “always” like having three QBs he’s comfortable with. He mentioned bringing in experienced reserves in the past: Joe Flacco (2021), Gardner Minshew (2021-22), Marcus Mariota (2023), Kenny Pickett (2024) and Sam Howell (2025).

“You’re one injury away from being one injury away,“ Roseman said. ”We take that seriously.”

Roseman reiterated that point when specifically about possibly trading McKee this offseason.

“Our whole goal here is to try to compete this year and do really well. From our perspective, having a guy like Tanner is incredible security for us,” Roseman said. “... When I go to bed at night and I know I have three quarterbacks who can play, I sleep better. That’s how I roll.”

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