Philadelphia Eagles Consider Trading Quarterbacks After Season: McKee or Pickett Could Be on the Move
The Philadelphia Eagles are currently in a favorable position when it comes to their quarterback depth. With Jalen Hurts firmly established as the team’s starter, the Eagles have two capable backups in Tanner McKee and Kenny Pickett. While Hurts is not going anywhere, the Eagles could explore trading one of their backup quarterbacks to gain valuable draft picks, especially with teams around the league looking to add to their quarterback roster in the offseason.
The performance of Tanner McKee, in particular, has drawn attention. McKee has shown promising potential, making him an intriguing prospect for quarterback-needy teams. His development over the past few weeks of the season, coupled with his affordable contract, makes him an appealing option. USA Today named several teams that might be interested in McKee, including the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Indianapolis Colts.
However, there is speculation that the Eagles may opt to trade Kenny Pickett instead of McKee. Zach Berman of PHLY Sports suggested that the Eagles could move Pickett and keep McKee as a cheaper, long-term backup option. Berman tweeted, “Tanner McKee’s film from the last two weeks of the season and the preseason will be watched by QB-needy teams around the NFL this offseason. If a team doesn’t land the QB they want in the draft, McKee will be 25 and makes less than $3M total for the next two seasons.”
The prospect of trading Pickett, a player the Eagles drafted with potential in mind, has generated mixed reactions. Pickett, who has been with the team for a shorter period than McKee, offers experience and the ability to step in as a starter, should the need arise. But with McKee’s low cost and increasing value, the Eagles may see him as the more viable option for the future.
If the Eagles do decide to shop either quarterback, they could potentially gain valuable draft capital to strengthen their roster for the coming seasons. With Howie Roseman at the helm, the Eagles have been known to make shrewd decisions to improve the team’s overall talent pool. Trading one of their quarterbacks would be a bold move, but it could set the Eagles up for success in both the short and long term.
For McKee, the opportunity to start elsewhere could provide him with the chance to prove himself in a more prominent role. On the other hand, Pickett, should he be traded, might find a fresh start with a team that offers him more opportunities.
As the offseason approaches, the Eagles’ quarterback situation will likely remain one of the more intriguing storylines in the NFL. Whether they keep McKee and move on from Pickett or decide to part with both players, all eyes will be on Howie Roseman’s next moves.