The Philadelphia Eagles are playing their cards close to the vest when it comes to the backup quarterback spot. With Week 1 just days away, the team has yet to officially name who will serve as Jalen Hurts' primary understudy.
On Tuesday, the Eagles released an unofficial depth chart ahead of their season opener against the Washington Commanders. Instead of listing a clear second-string signal-caller, the team placed veteran Andy Dalton and second-year man Tanner McKee in the same slot behind Hurts. Rookie Cole Payton, a fifth-round pick, was listed with the third team.
All four quarterbacks are expected to be active for Sunday's game, but it's unlikely all of them will suit up. The inactive list could be the first real clue about Philadelphia's decision—unless the team makes a formal announcement before then.
Experience vs. Upside
The Eagles brought in Dalton back in March, acquiring the three-time Pro Bowler from the Carolina Panthers. At 38 years old (he turns 39 in October), Dalton brings a wealth of experience, having started at least one game in each of his 15 NFL seasons. He's thrown for nearly 40,000 career yards, and his resume is hard to argue with.
But the preseason told a different story. Dalton completed just 18 of 35 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown across three exhibition games. McKee, meanwhile, shined in the second preseason contest, going 16-of-22 for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
Head coach Nick Sirianni has been tight-lipped about the competition, telling reporters two weeks ago, "I think both the guys are battling, and I'm really confident in both of the guys. We'll see where that goes. It's still a competition."
McKee's Late-Season Surge
McKee made a name for himself late in the 2025 season. The sixth-round pick threw two touchdowns in a Week 17 win over the Dallas Cowboys, then led the Eagles to a 20-13 victory over the New York Giants in his first career start, racking up 269 yards and two scores. In a Week 18 loss to the Commanders, he went 21-of-40 for 241 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
That late-season surge has some fans and analysts wondering if McKee might be the future, but the Eagles are keeping their options open. The team's decision could also be influenced by the fact that former Eagles running back Miles Sanders is facing legal troubles, though that's unrelated to the quarterback situation.
For now, the Eagles are content to let the mystery linger. The backup quarterback role might not be the most glamorous job, but it's one that can become critical in an instant. As the team prepares for the Commanders, all eyes will be on the inactive list—and the signal it sends about who Sirianni trusts most behind Hurts.
Whether it's Dalton's steady hand or McKee's emerging promise, Philadelphia's decision will have ripple effects throughout the season. The Eagles have made it clear they're in no rush to tip their hand.
