No Indications Of Tanner McKee Trade Amid QB2 Battle

Based on the success shown in McKee’s two appearances at the end of his sophomore season, Berman suggested that it may be worthwhile to cash in on that sample by trading McKee to a QB-needy team. Instead of allowing McKee to become the next Malik Willis in free agency, it may be prudent to trade McKee, before his contract year, to a team that may overpay in return for Philadelphia’s former sixth-round pick. Of course, the Eagles need a backup quarterback, and after the team allowed reserve passer Sam Howell to depart for Dallas in free agency, trading away McKee would necessitate the addition of at least one new arm (and likely a couple more to get through camp).

To that end, Berman suggested the signing of a free agent in their mid-20s with starting experience — perhaps a reunion with Kenny Pickett — and the drafting of a mid- to late-round rookie. A trade to ship out McKee never took shape, and per Berman, there has been “no indication” that one will. With McKee in place behind Hurts, it seemed only a draft addition might be needed, and the Eagles delivered on that by selecting North Dakota State passer Cole Payton in the fifth round.

While Philadelphia now had the three bodies in the QB room that Berman desired, the team still chose to pursue a veteran arm with starting experience. After Berman’s preferred target signed with the Panthers, the Eagles opted to relieve Pickett of competition for the QB2 role in Carolina by trading to acquire Panthers backup Andy Dalton. Now, Dalton is a veteran with starting experience, like Berman was looking for, but at 38 years old, Dalton is a tick past his mid-20s. At first, it was thought that he was brought in to add a veteran voice to the room, but Berman is under the impression that Dalton is legitimately pushing McKee for the QB2 role.

Dalton’s addition doesn’t just alter McKee’s situation but Payton’s, as well. Before the trade, it seemed that Payton had been drafted to fill the QB3 role left vacant in Howell’s departure. With Dalton in the mix, now, it seems apparent that the third string role could be given to the loser of the QB2 battle. It doesn’t quite make sense to let Payton walk, though. The team grew to like him while meeting during the pre-draft process as Payton was rising up draft boards.

Because of this, Berman doesn’t rule out the possibility that McKee still might be traded away. If the Eagles believe they are secure with Dalton and Payton behind Hurts, they may opt to deal McKee and shift focus to developing Payton. If they don’t think Dalton is capable of effectively backing up Hurts, though, they may find it necessary to hold on to McKee and utilize the final year of his rookie deal.

If McKee does get dealt, Berman offered that a team like the Jets could have been interested. It was recently reported that New York might keep an eye on Titans backup Will Levis for a late trade or waiver wire pickup, and while Levis has a bit more experience that McKee, the two wouldn’t be that far apart as potential trade targets. Philly reports to training camp about a week and half from now, and all eyes aren’t necessarily on this competition, but it could have major ramifications for the front office’s decision-making.