Eagles recent quarterback trade gives grim outlook for young QBs on the roster

On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles sent a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for veteran quarterback Sam Howell and a 2026 sixth rounder. With all NFL rosters having to be trimmed down to 53 players on Tuesday, this acquisition is bad news for the young QBs in Philly’s quarterback room.

Obviously, Jalen Hurts is the Eagles starter; none of this has anything to do with him. Behind him, though, is Tanner McKee, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Kyle McCord. McKee will certainly still be the team’s QB2, but this trade makes it clear the recent finger injury he sustained in practice could force him to miss time. He’ll remain on the roster and return to his spot on the depth chart whenever he is healthy.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Thompson-Robinson and McCord.

Eagles will likely cut Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Kyle McCord after trading for Sam Howell

Thompson-Robinson was likely always going to get cut. With Hurts and McKee both roster locks, there was a slim chance Thompson-Robinson stayed on the roster as a QB3, but the likelihood of that has officially dropped to zero percent after this trade. He’ll be cut and will have to work on finding a new team.

As for Kyle McCord, who the Eagles drafted in the sixth round, he didn’t prove throughout camp and the preseason that he was ready to be QB3. However, Philadelphia is unlikely to give up on him completely. While he will be waived, if he clears waivers, he appears to be a good bet to return to the practice squad. This will enable him to remain with the organization and continue his development throughout the year.

For the active roster, the Eagles will enter the year with Jalen Hurts as the starter, a healthy Tanner McKee as he primary backup, and Sam Howell as QB3.