Nick Sirianni Explains Philadelphia Eagles' Backup QB Hierarchy

Heading into the 2026 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles remained mum regarding who the backup quarterback would be behind starter Jalen Hurts.

Tanner McKee and veteran Andy Dalton were both competing for the gig, and ultimately Dalton edged out McKee, as he was named the top reserve for Philadelphia’s Week 1 matchup with the Washington Commanders. Now, we have some more insight into that decision.

Andy Dalton Won Eagles’ Backup QB Job Over Tanner McKee

While speaking with media members on Wednesday, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni explained that Dalton outperformed McKee throughout training camp and thus earned the second spot behind Hurts. Sirianni noted, though, that depth charts aren’t set in stone, and roles could potentially change as the season rolls on.

“We felt like he [Dalton] was the best person for the job, that won the job. That has no indication of how we feel of Tanner. We just, that’s who won the job throughout camp,” Sirianni said. “But roles and spots on the depth chart are never set in stone. They’re still competing, they’re still working, and we’ll be evaluating, like with everything, all the time. But at the end of the day, that’s why.”

Philly fans have to hope that neither Dalton or McKee sees the field much for the Eagles throughout the current campaign, unless it’s in the closing minutes of a blowout in Philadelphia’s favor.

Andy Dalton Has Major Experience Advantage Over Tanner McKee

Dalton has a major experience advantage over McKee, and that could have played into the Eagles’ decision to name him as the backup. Dalton, a three-time Pro Bowler, has started a total of 173 regular season and playoff games over the course of his career. Meanwhile, McKee has a total of two NFL starts under his belt.

For a team with legitimate championship aspirations, the experience that Dalton brings to the table could be very valuable and could have been the deciding factor in the backup battle.