Andrew Buller-Russ
Entering the offseason, there was some chatter that backup Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee could emerge as a popular trade candidate. After all, several teams had a need for a new starting QB when the offseason began. Many of those spots have been filled, though the Cardinals and Steelers could still use more competition.
The Eagles could very well still trade the 26-year-old McKee, who’s headed into the final year of his rookie contract. Though, after watching Philadelphia’s third-string quarterback, Sam Howell, sign with the Cowboys, the Eagles also needed another third-string QB.
On Wednesday, they addressed their need by trading for Andy Dalton from the Panthers. The Eagles agreed to send a 2027 seventh-round pick to Carolina in exchange for the three-time Pro Bowl QB.
Dalton, 38, brings 169 games of starting experience to Philadelphia, where he’ll join his sixth NFL team. Dalton will use what he’s learned across 15 NFL seasons to help Hurts and McKee prepare for their next opponent on a weekly basis. After making at least one start in each of the past 15 years, Dalton is always ready to step in at a moment’s notice.
Barring another move, Dalton will presumably step in as the Eagles’ QB3, behind Hurts and McKee. Yet, he may be one of, if not the most capable QB3 in the NFL in 2026. For the low price of a future seventh-round pick, that type of security is worth the price.
Related: Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowler Wants To Be Traded
