Tanner McKee's stock is rising as Eagles backup QB with latest ranking

Backup quarterback debuts are always a talking point going into the season, as analysts, fans, and media continue to debate the importance of the sport, as well as the most important and at times underappreciated position.

CBS Sports began the conversation by ranking 10 backup quarterbacks (13, with three honorable mentions) on its website this past week. Cody Benjamin would rank Eagles backup Tanner McKee as the fourth-best QB2 going into the 2025 season.

McKee has proven himself to be among the best backups in the NFL

While Eagles fans won't disagree with the list, many NFL fans may find the ranking of McKee a bit puzzling, given that he has played in only two games (89 snaps) during his two-year NFL career. While McKee's regular-season play has been limited, he has been highly efficient in preseason play, throwing for three touchdowns and approximately 1,000 yards in seven appearances, including a 252-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Bengals in the first week of the preseason.

While McKee has had limited regular season action, he did perform at a high level when called upon. McKee won his lone start in Week 18 vs the Giants, while also throwing for two touchdowns in Week 17, after a Kenny Pickett injury. McKee's play would lead Howie Roseman to eventually trade Pickett to the Browns, allowing McKee to become the primary backup in Philadelphia.

While McKee is currently sidelined with a thumb injury, the Eagles will turn to Sam Howell to hold the "clipboard" until McKee is cleared. The team also felt comfortable enough to release Kyle McCord and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, opting to bring McCord as their QB4 on the practice squad.

Benjamin's complete list is as follows:

Honorable Mention: Jake Browning (Bengals), Jameis Winston (Giants), Marcus Mariota (Commanders)

10. Tyson Bagent (Bears)
9. Trey Lance (Chargers)
8.Jaxson Dart (Giants)
7.Jarrett Stidham (Broncos)
6. Anthony Richardson (Colts)
5. Malik Willis (Packers)
4. Tanner McKee (Eagles)
3. Carson Wentz (Vikings)
2. Jimmy Garoppolo (Rams)
1. Kirk Cousins (Falcons)